WHEREAS, at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City became the scene of the worst act of domestic terrorism in American history. The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building took 168 souls, including 19 children. Hundreds more were injured; and

WHEREAS, among those killed were three state employees, including Robert N. Chipman and Trudy Jean Rigney, employees of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, as well as University Hospital employee Laura Garrison, who was in the Social Security Office that morning. More than 100 other state employees working in state agency offices near the Murrah Building were also injured; and

WHEREAS, others lost in the bombing had past and present ties to the Capitol, including U.S. Housing and Urban Development Attorney Susan Ferrell, daughter of former state Senator Don Ferrell, and U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinary medical officer Peggy Clark, mother of Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur; and

WHEREAS, first responders from throughout Oklahoma and across the country worked round the clock in the search and rescue operation; numerous state employees assisted in all stages, including the investigation and prosecution of the case and the state's overall recovery; and

WHEREAS, citizens across the state quickly worked to provide food, water, and supplies to help support first responders, donated blood and made financial contributions to aid the victims and their families. Their outpouring and the efforts of the state as a whole became known as the Oklahoma Standard; and

WHEREAS, in 2010, legislation became law requiring Oklahoma schools to teach about the Murrah bombing and the lessons learned, ensuring the Oklahoma Standard is taught to future generations by seeing the example of those who came before living out the tenets by Showing up to Serve, Rising up to Honor, and Stepping up to be Kind.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 58TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate remembers those who were killed, honors the survivors, thanks the heroic first responders, and urges continued prayers for all on this solemn anniversary.

THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to Kari Watkins, Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum.