On April 19, 2025, the United States will mark 30 years since one of the most tragic acts of domestic terrorism in the nation’s history—the Oklahoma City bombing. The attack, which killed 168 people, shook the country to its core and left a permanent scar on the nation’s heart.
In remembrance, a special anniversary ceremony will be held tomorrow in Oklahoma City, and former President Bill Clinton, who was in office during the tragedy, will be in attendance once again.
A President’s Day He Will Never Forget
At the time of the bombing in 1995, Bill Clinton was in the middle of his first term as President. That day, he was faced with what he later described as one of the most painful and unforgettable moments of his presidency. The attack targeted the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, claiming the lives of men, women, and children, and injuring hundreds more.
President Clinton has said that April 19, 1995, is a day that will stay with him forever. Since that devastating event, he has attended several memorial anniversaries, especially the major milestone years, and his presence has brought comfort to survivors and families of the victims.
Mayor David Holt: “He Pulled the Country Together”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt praised the former president’s continued commitment to the city and the victims’ families. He emphasized Clinton’s leadership during a time of national sorrow and confusion.
“Any time you have sort of those symbolic – 20th, 25th, 30th – you get a little extra attention,” Holt said. “We’ve been very blessed that President Clinton has come at pretty much every one of those five-year anniversaries… he pulled the country together in that time when the act itself was intended to spark a civil war.”
Mayor Holt also acknowledged the symbolic importance of Clinton’s presence, saying it serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and strength the country showed in the face of hate and violence.
Ceremony Details: New Location Due to Weather
The 30th anniversary ceremony was originally planned to take place outdoors at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, the site built to honor the victims of the bombing. However, due to the forecasted chance of rain, organizers have moved the event indoors.
- New Location: First Church, downtown Oklahoma City
- Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Time: Ceremony begins at 8:00 AM
- Doors open: 7:30 AM
This indoor setting at First Church will still allow for a respectful and moving tribute, with speakers, survivors, and loved ones gathering to remember the lives lost and the impact of the bombing three decades later.
Honoring the Memory, 30 Years Later
The Oklahoma City bombing was not only an attack on a building but an assault on American values. The act was meant to divide, but instead, it brought people together—neighbors helping neighbors, and communities from across the nation offering support.
President Clinton’s decision to return for this anniversary continues a tradition of remembrance and unity. His presence is a testament to how deeply the event touched him personally and how seriously he takes the responsibility of honoring those who were lost.
For more information about the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum, including exhibits, educational resources, and ways to support their mission, you can visit their official website.