National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day is observed on April 19^th. It honors all those who were killed during the Oklahoma City bombing that occurred on April 19, 1995. This event was a domestic terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building located in downtown Oklahoma City.

The bombing killed 168 people, 19 of whom were under the age of 6 years old, and injured almost 700 more. The blast was set off by anti-government militant Timothy McVeigh. In 2001, he was executed for his crimes, and his co-conspirator Terry Nichols was sentenced to life in prison.

The History of National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

Just after 9:00 a.m. on April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols detonated a Ryder rental truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. The explosion destroyed the building’s north wall and killed 168 people. The bombing also injured more than 650 people and damaged 300 buildings in the surrounding area.

This holiday was almost spontaneously created after the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing. As far as we can determine, no single individual created this holiday. It was created by the people grieving the victims of this American tragedy each year.

Observing National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

On this holiday, people are encouraged to take the time to learn more about the Oklahoma City bombing and to take a few moments out of their busy schedules to remember the victims of this tragic event.

Every year, 168 seconds of silence are held for the 168 victims of this tragedy. It’s also a good day to show support for first responders. On social media, the hashtag #OklahomaCityBombingCommemorationDay can be used.