20 Years: Remembering the OKC Bombing

A man who knows exactly where he was on April 19, 1995, at 9:02a, is Richard Williams; he was inside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, doing his job as Federal Buildings Manager on the first floor. When the bomb detonated, Richard was buried under rubble. He was carried out by a policeman and was hospitalized. Several surgeries and months of rehabilitation followed.

Thankfully, he’s recovered and he’ll be in Claremore on Friday, April 17th, to speak about that unforgettable day in 1995. His talk will coincide with the annual P.E.O. coffee and book review. The event will begin at 10:30a and will be held at the First United Methodist Church. Tickets are $10, and there is a limited number, so call to get yours today at 918-630-4884.

Most of us also remember hearing the powerful, beautiful voice of Mrs. Ernestine Dillard as she sang at the Memorial Service for the victims and families of the Oklahoma City bombing. All in attendance, including President Clinton, Governor Keating and Rev. Billy Graham, were brought to their feet as she lifted her voice for our great nation. Mrs. Dillard will also perform at this event. Mrs. Dillard will have copies of her CDs for sale.

Refreshments will be provided. Proceeds from this event provide higher education scholarships for women. Tickets may be purchased from any Chapter BM P.E.O. member or by calling 918-630-4884.

More about Richard Williams: Mr. Williams served on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation, served as co-chair of the Survivors Definition Committee, co-chair of the Memorial Center Committee, and as a member of the Design Solicitation Committee, Archives Committee. He was also appointed as the Government Liaison between Federal, State, and Local Governments, and was on the panel who selected the five finalists for the memorial design. He also served on the committee which drafted the Mission Statement, and all aspects of the Memorial are patterned on this statement.

In October, 1997, President Clinton signed Public Law 105-58 establishing the OKC National Memorial as a unit of the National Parks Service and designating the OKC Memorial Trust. Mr. Williams was selected by President Clinton and then again by President Bush to serve on the nine-member Trust, which had oversight of the construction of the outdoor memorial and the operations of the Memorial, the Memorial Museum, and the Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism. Also since September 11, 2001, Mr. Williams has been involved with the World Trade Center Survivors Network, working with them in the healing process and serving on their steering committee.