Rep. Duel: OKC Bombing anniversary observed

The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday, April 20, observed the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. What is known as the deadliest act of domestic terrorism ever to occur in our nation, took place April 19, 1995, killing 168 people, including 19 children.

Many Oklahomans remember exactly where they were on April 19, 1995. I was a second-grade student at Central Elementary in Guthrie. I remember the adults around me acting differently that day. Even as a child, I could sense something terrible had happened. As I grew older, I came to understand the full weight of what Oklahoma endured. We’ve had to learn in hindsight through grim descriptions of the devastation and about the warped motives of those who planned this attack here in the heartland of America. We’ve learned these lessons through 168 glass and bronze empty chairs, through a reflecting pool only deep enough to cast back our own image.

But we learn as well through articles such as House Resolution 1046, which recalls the events of the bombing and expresses gratitude to those who responded with acts of comfort and kindness. The response to evil is not lawlessness or vengeance, but justice, moral courage, and faith. Oklahomans answered hatred with resolve, compassion, and prayer. We ask God’s help not only to restrain evil, but to cultivate the virtues that sustain a free people. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum aids in this endeavor through programs such as Journey of Hope and Better Conversations that teach youth across the state some of the lessons we’ve learned from this horrific act.

Oklahomans were not defined by victimhood after the bombing. We were defined by faith, courage, volunteerism, and neighbor helping neighbor. The Oklahoma Standard remains a reminder that strong communities are built first in families, churches, and local communities, not merely through government.

It seemed fitting that Ms. Tarrant’s Guthrie High School Advanced Placement Government and Politics class visited me at the Capitol last week. It gave us a chance to talk about the role of government, the responsibilities of citizenship, and why constitutional self-government depends on informed, engaged citizens. I shared how the legislative process works and how as elected officials, we must attempt to respond to the needs of all of the people we represent. The students asked questions and shared their thoughts. It’s such dialogue that should give us all hope for the future. Thank you, Ms. Tarrant, for helping to educate these future leaders.

Also, last week, we held 4-H Day at the Capitol. It’s always good to see so many students and educators sporting 4-H green. Programs such as this prepare youth for the challenges of the future. They gain hands-on experience in agriculture and animal husbandry, vital industries to our state. They learn to take personal responsibility not only for the animals they raise and show but for the projects in which they express their creativity. I’m proud of the depth of knowledge in these students and thankful for those who educate them and those who volunteer to make these programs successful.

Remembering tragedy and investing in the next generation are connected. One reminds us what can be lost. The other reminds us what is worth preserving.

As always, it is an honor to serve you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (405) 557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov if I can ever be of service to you.