Rep. Bice & Senator Lankford Host Oklahoma Commemorative Survivor Tree Dedication Ceremony

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Bice and Senator Lankford hosted a Commemorative Survivor Tree Dedication Ceremony on the United States Capitol Grounds. As part of this ceremony, a sapling from the Survivor Tree was planted on the Northwest corner of the Capitol Grounds facing the National Mall. This honor tree was in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and pays tribute to the 168 lives lost, the survivors, rescuers, and all those impacted by the April 19, 1995, domestic terror attack in Oklahoma City. The event was attended by Members of the Oklahoma delegation, representatives from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, and individuals who were directly impacted by the bombing.  

"The Alfred P. Murrah Building Bombing changed Oklahoma and our nation forever. In the aftermath of this tragic event the state and city came together creating the Oklahoma Standard,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice. “Planting a sapling of the Survivor Tree, which is a symbol of hope and resilience for our community, on the Capitol Grounds is an immense honor. The location of this tree will serve as a place for every American to reflect and remember the impact of April 19th, 1995. I look forward to watching the tree grow and having a piece of OKC in Washington.” 

“We still feel the pain and loss of April 19, 1995. Each year, we remember the 168 lives lost, those who survived, those who were changed forever, and the heroes who ran toward the devastation," said Senator Lankford. "The Survivor Tree endured the blast and became our symbol of hope. 30 years later, a ‘child’ of the Survivor Tree now stands each day at our nation's Capitol. The living memorial honors the legacy of those we lost and reminds the country of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define the Oklahoma Standard.”

“A tiny seed grown from the Memorial’s Survivor Tree stands as a testament that this seedling will spread its roots and grow at the United States Capitol marking both memory and time. Memory of those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. And time - 30 years later — of how this nation came together and stood united. As we approach this anniversary, may we remember the Day of Darkness and Years of Light,” stated Kari Watkins, President & CEO, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. 

“We are so honored to plant this Survivor Tree at the United States Capitol as a symbol of people coming and working together to find common ground,” said Dr. Susan Chambers, Chairman Board of Trustees, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. “It stands here today to bring hope to our city and nation.” 

"Nearly 30 years ago, 168 beautiful souls were taken from our community in a horrific tragedy. We will never forget those that we lost and the loved ones they left behind," said Senator Mullin. "We will continue to strive towards the Oklahoma Standard in their honor." 

“On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City was struck by an unconscionable act of domestic terrorism, shocking the world. 168 precious lives were senselessly taken and hundreds more were left injured and heartbroken. Today, we honor and remember those lives taken, grieve with the families who mourn, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans,” said Congressman Cole. 

“The resilience of Oklahomans in the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing has always inspired me. This commemorative tree on the grounds of our nation’s Capitol is symbolic of that strength and the hope that endures in Oklahoma,” said Congressman Kevin Hern.“Thirty years have passed since 168 lives were cut short, but those souls will never be forgotten. Neither will we forget the selflessness and courage of those who ran toward the smoke, risking their lives to rescue survivors. Our nation honors their legacy.”  

“This is an important anniversary to remember, not just for the sheer tragedy of the day, but also for the overwhelming unity that Oklahomans displayed in the aftermath,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “While we continue to hold that memory in our hearts, today we get a physical reminder in our nation’s capital. Thank you to Congresswoman Bice for making this possible.” 

“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, I am honored to stand with my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation as we dedicate this tree to all those affected on that devastating day. This tree will long stand as a symbol of resilience and hope as we remember the 168 innocent people whose lives were taken too soon,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. 

Background: 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. The attack forever changed the Oklahoma City community and the nation. The commemorative tree planting serves as a living tribute to the victims and a reminder of resilience, unity, and hope.

For more information, visit - https://memorialmuseum.com/experience/the-memorial/ 

The Architect of the Capitol allows honor trees to be planted on the grounds of the United States Capitol. In order to get these trees planted, the Speaker of the House and the Chair of Senate Rules must approve. In July of 2024 the entire Oklahoma delegation led a letter (LINK) calling for the tree to be planted in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. On the Architect of the Capitol’s (AOC) website, there will be a permanent page so people can learn about the OK Survivor Tree and find it while they are on campus.  

For more information, visit - https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/features/trees