Oklahoma City Bombing Remembered at Annual Ceremony

31 years after the tragic attack, the community continues to honor victims and survivors.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:10am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a weathered, textured stone or brick from the Oklahoma City National Memorial, capturing the material's intricate details and evoking a sense of quiet contemplation.The Oklahoma City National Memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the community's resilience in the face of tragedy.Oklahoma City Today

Each year on April 19th, the city of Oklahoma City holds a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 168 lives lost in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The event features 168 seconds of silence and the reading of each victim's name, honoring 'those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever' by the tragic attack.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing was a pivotal moment in American history, sparking changes in domestic terrorism laws and security protocols. The annual ceremony serves as an important ritual for the community to grieve, reflect, and reaffirm their resilience in the face of such a devastating act of violence.

The details

The ceremony takes place at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which was established on the site of the former federal building. Each year, the event brings together survivors, victims' families, first responders, and community members to remember those lost and celebrate the city's strength in overcoming tragedy.

  • The ceremony is held every year on April 19th, the anniversary of the 1995 bombing.
  • This year's ceremony marks the 31st anniversary of the attack.

The players

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

The memorial and museum established on the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was bombed in 1995.

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What’s next

The Oklahoma City community will continue to hold this annual ceremony to commemorate the bombing victims and promote healing and resilience for years to come.

The takeaway

The enduring annual ceremony in Oklahoma City demonstrates the community's commitment to never forgetting the tragedy of the 1995 bombing and honoring the memory of those whose lives were lost.