Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN RECORDING ARTIST JAMI SMITH PENS SONG FOR MEMORIAL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 30, 2009

Contact: Nancy Coggins, APR
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
405.235.3313 or 405.760.9053
nc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

Anne Wilson
Artist Representative for Jami Smith
405.820.8139
anne@jamismith.com

OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN RECORDING ARTIST JAMI SMITH PENS SONG FOR MEMORIAL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
Stand Together to premiere as part of multi-faith observance scheduled for April 19

OKLAHOMA CITY – On a day when many celebrate the faith that guides them, the Oklahoma City National Memorial will hold a multi-faith ceremony of prayers, readings, music and hope on the 14th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The ceremony will take place April 19, at 9 a.m. on the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial.

“We have seen that so many have used their faith as an important step in their healing and since April 19 this year falls on a Sunday, we wanted to honor symbols of faith as a way of showing how this community has healed over the past 14 years,” said Kari Watkins, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum executive director.

Acclaimed Christian recording artist, worship leader, and speaker Jami Smith has written a new song inspired by the symbols of faith that help so many to heal after tragedies such as the Oklahoma City bombing.

The song, Stand Together, is a celebration of the hope and healing that happens through a community’s journey of faith. Smith was inspired by the many symbols of faith that can be seen throughout the Memorial. These items that have been left as mementos and prayers on the fence, or captured in the personal belongings of those who were killed help tell the story of that day inside the Memorial Museum.

“This is an act that affected an entire community, and together in faith, we have shown that there is far more good in this world than evil,” said Kari Watkins, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum executive director. “Stand Together really does encapsulate the hope and the resilience this community has shown a nation in the face of terrorism. It celebrates love and unity and the power of standing together - united.”

Smith will perform Stand Together as part of the 14th Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on April 19 at 9 a.m.

“It was really important for me to capture the faith and prayer and loving thoughts of the thousands of lives that are changed by their visit to the Memorial,” said Smith. “You can see it in the things that are left at the fence and in the notes and comments from visitors that our community, in its faith, has shown the world God’s grace through the lessons of the Memorial.”

Smith has an authenticity and passion for sharing God’s all surpassing love and truth. For over 15 years, she has traveled the world using music as a tool to connect people to a loving and merciful God. Smith's songs are played on radio stations around the world.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor “those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever” by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.

The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge. The Memorial Museum is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+) and $6 for students (5-college with valid ID). Children under 5 are admitted free. Group rates and programs are available. Special exhibits are included in the cost of admission. Ticket sales end at 5 p.m. daily. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

For more information on the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, call (888) 542-HOPE or visit www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org. For more information on Jami Smith’s music or ministries, visit www.jamismith.com.

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View a video version of Stand Together at www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/standtogether. High-resolution images of Jami Smith and An mp3 version of the song Stand Together for promotional or radio play purposes is also available by contacting Nancy Coggins at nc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org or 405.235.3313.

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