Currently at the Memorial & Museum
Preserving History...
Collections Include First Responder
Reactions to Oklahoma Standard
November 15, 2010
The Memorial Archives’ purpose is to collect and be the repository for everything related to the bombing incident, its aftermath and the memorial process. In addition to being utilized by researchers, these artifacts, photographs and documents are also used by Memorial staff to inform the public about the impact violence and in awareness of and appreciation for the responses and lessons learned as a result of this event. To view a sample of the variety of artifacts in the Memorial’s collections, visit the Virtual Archives section of our website. If you would like to do research, please contact the Archives.
This postcard and photograph are among the many items that document first responders’ reaction to the support, encouragement and thanks they received from the citizens of Oklahoma. Team members from CA-TF5 and MD-TF1 replied to Cleatis Luker’s letters of support and appreciation. A CA-05 Task Force member writes on 6/25/95:
"Dear Cleatis:
Thank you for writing our search & rescue task force. The support we received from everyone kept us going at full speed until the last victims were found.
In your letter, you requested a photo of our rescue team. I had one extra, and I thought you would enjoy it. This photo is of the 'Dayshift' of Orange County, California's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, also known as CA-TF5. This photo was taken on the last day of rescue efforts by the special teams. More fitting, we left the last nine victims to be recovered by your own city fire department. In my opinion, they are the true heroes!
I am a structural specialist team member. I specialize in building collapses and assist the other team members in building safety. In the photo, I am the one in the middle of the center row, with blonde hair, to the right of the blue hat. Take care & god Bless!
Love, John Lawson, CA-TF5"
« Back to Currently at the Memorial & Museum | Archived Currently at the Memorial & Museum »
Tweet
620 N. Harvey, Oklahoma City | 405.235.3313 888.542.HOPE
©2011 Oklahoma City National Memorial