Twenty-two years have passed since the destruction of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, an incident resulting in the worst account of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
For many Oklahomans, April 19, is a day to remember, regardless of how much time has passed. Several Duncan Middle School students wrote about their thoughts surrounding the event, which killed 168 people in the heart of Oklahoma City.
Zachary Williams, seventh grade
My grandpa was two blocks away from the boom. All of his windows were busted and his house shook. So, he drove by and saw the building was gone. My grandma started to cry.
I went to the memorial; it was sad. I saw the Survivor Tree and saw the part that was not fixed. it was really sad.
Brianna Stuck, eighth grade
When something like this happens, it’s a sad day for everyone. The fact that this happens, much less by an American on American soil, is disturbing.
The saddest part of this, and any other bombing, is the death toll. Children, adults and babies, were all killed because of one person who had a disagreement with the government. It takes a toll on the people who have lost their loved ones.
Many find it a betrayal that he was an American solider who did this unthinkable act. To me, the most upsetting thing is that he didn’t seem to care.
Seth Morrow, eighth grade
I think this was very wrong.
He (Timothy McVeigh) had no right. He killed innocent people and children. He should have never done anything like that. And the fact that he didn’t get executed for six years later is wrong.
I remember going to the memorial as a kid, and my mom and dad crying a little. I never knew why. My grandparents were also crying. But I didn’t know why.
