Oklahoma City – On Veterans Day, Rear Admiral Ben Reynolds, a native son who served in the U.S. Navy, paid tribute to the victims of the April 19, 1995, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. He walked the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, laying a single rose on each of the empty chairs that symbolize the lives lost.
Personal connection fuels the tribute
Reynolds, who grew up in Oklahoma, said the act of placing roses was a way to honor the “true heroes” who gave their lives that day. “We lost 168 true heroes on April 19, 1995,” he told visitors. The admiral also reflected on his own experience of national tragedy, noting that he was in the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks. “That feels particularly like the same,” he said, adding that Oklahoma’s “grit and resilience” have shaped his character.
Memorial ceremony draws veterans and families
The memorial offered free admission to veterans on Wednesday, and staff reported an overwhelming turnout. Families, former first responders, and community members gathered among the iconic Gates of Time, where rows of roses now stand as a living reminder of the lives cut short.
“Thank you for your service,” Reynolds said, addressing the empty chairs. His words resonated with those present, underscoring the enduring bond between military service and civilian sacrifice.
Why the rose ceremony matters
Each rose placed by Admiral Reynolds represents an individual who perished in the bombing, a tradition that personalizes the collective loss. The National Memorial’s design uses empty chairs to convey the absence felt by families and the nation. By adding a flower to each chair, the ceremony transforms a static symbol into a vibrant act of remembrance.
The event also highlights the broader community’s commitment to honoring veterans and victims of terrorism. Local organizations, veterans’ groups, and city officials continue to support educational programs at the memorial, ensuring that future generations understand the impact of the tragedy and the importance of resilience.
Looking forward
As the nation reflects on Veterans Day, Admiral Reynolds’ gesture serves as a reminder that honoring the fallen is a shared responsibility. The Oklahoma City National Memorial remains a place of learning, healing, and gratitude, inviting all who visit to pause, reflect, and remember.
For more information about upcoming events at the memorial or to arrange a visit, please contact the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
