House adopts resolution remembering the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing and honors responders

The Oklahoma House on the floor adopted House Resolution 10 46 honoring victims, survivors and first responders of the April 19, 1995, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing and directed a copy of the resolution to Carrie Watkins, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

Representative West Rick introduced the resolution, which the clerk read on the House floor and described the response, recovery and continuing educational mission of the memorial. The measure recognizes the 168 people killed — including 19 children — and expresses gratitude to the thousands of first responders, rescue workers, medical personnel and volunteers who aided the city.

In remarks to members, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell praised the memorial’s staff and volunteers and said the site’s mission remains relevant. "The Oklahoma City bombing changed Oklahoma forever, but it also revealed the very best of who we are," Pinnell said. Carrie Watkins, the memorial’s president and CEO, told lawmakers the foundation’s outreach has reached more than 36,000 students and highlighted the "Journey of Hope" education program.

Senior Master Sergeant Brian Curtis, who served with the Tulsa Air National Guard’s 130th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron, described his unit’s activation to assist at the bombing site and the work of decontamination and debris removal. "The scale of destruction was absolutely overwhelming," Curtis said, recounting long shifts, hand removal of debris and the emotional toll on responders.

Justice Steven Taylor, who presided over trial proceedings tied to the bombing, urged members to uphold the rule of law and to foster civility in public life. Members adopted the resolution "without objection," and the clerk was directed to present the citation to the memorial’s leadership.

The floor presentation included formal citations listing the guard members who assisted in the recovery and concluded with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The House then moved on to legislative business.