It is difficult to imagine how the horror and tragedy of April 19, 1995, could come to inspire hope, but that is exactly what happened in Oklahoma City. In the wake of such terrible violence, friends, neighbors and strangers came together to work for the good of others. That unity and selflessness stood in direct opposition to the cowardly malice of those responsible for the bombing. It was the spirit of community that arose in the minutes, hours and days after the bombing that laid the foundation for the healing process. This portion of the archive collects some of the stories and symbols that came out of the bombing and inspired hope in others. They include elements from the days immediately after the bombing, such as the Memorial Fence and the Survivor Tree, as well as more recent examples, such as the Memorial Marathon and the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial. Also included are less tangible elements like the First Person Stories, the personal stories of survivors, rescuers, and the family members of those involved.

Please visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum for more information on these and other symbols and stories of hope. To arrange for a First Person Story for your class or organization, please contact the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.