Capturing the Moment - Oklahoma City

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Sadly, today marks the 13th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Our family visited this site a few years ago and I wanted to share the images that I captured. If you haven’t visited this memorial, I would encourage you to do so. It is a poignant reminder that everything can change in a moment. In fact, the memorial does a wonderful job of framing the horrific moment of 9:02 am between two gates labeled 9:01 and 9:03. Instead of capturing the horror of the event, the memorial attempts to have us see the victims at peace in their empty chairs staring at the black pool of water between the two gates. I am struck with the reminder that we should constantly learn to live in the minute and be reminded of the peace that can exist in that space.

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Besides the gate marked 9:01, I have photos of the empty chairs (large ones for adults and smaller ones for the children that were lost). Additionally there is a wall of bells with each one representing a child that is no longer here. Visitors can ring the bells and remember.

I feel fortunate to have a job where I am able to capture all the moments of life.

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13 comments

1 Danna { 04.19.08 at 5:34 pm }

What a beautiful memorial….I had never seen pictures before. Thank you for sharing this.

2 Sherial { 04.19.08 at 9:50 pm }

I will have a moment of silence to remember all the lives that were lost.

3 Susan Braswell { 04.20.08 at 1:00 pm }

These are very touching - wow I remember that in the news like it was just last year.

4 June { 04.20.08 at 8:32 pm }

These are special photographs. Thanks for sharing.

5 Angela { 04.20.08 at 11:28 pm }

What a nice tribute AK.

6 Teya { 04.21.08 at 7:19 am }

A beautiful and touching description, both in words and images. Thank you for posting this.

7 Pammy { 04.21.08 at 8:33 am }

I remember that morning all too well. I had recently had a new baby and was home and in disbelief at what had happened. You managed to capture some lovely images here. Thanks for sharing this.

8 ritz rivera { 04.21.08 at 8:49 am }

This was a heart-breaking day indeed!!! Thank you for helping us remember.

9 Reb { 04.21.08 at 6:02 pm }

What a beautiful, beautiful memorial … I’m so glad you shared this - somehow I missed the anniversary and it’s good to stop and remember.

xoxo

10 Tobi { 04.21.08 at 6:45 pm }

These are very special, thank you for sharing! What a beautiful memorial.

11 Kimberly Hill { 04.21.08 at 6:57 pm }

AK, I’m another who’d forgotten this anniversary. I’m stopping to pray for all who were lost, as well as the loved ones they left behind. Thank you for sharing your images.

12 Brandy { 04.21.08 at 7:05 pm }

Very moving tribute Anna Karin.

13 Teresa Hyfield { 04.29.08 at 8:21 am }

Anna, I’ve never seen this memorial. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures.

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