Thirty years.

It’s hard to believe that three decades have passed since that quiet April morning was shattered by unimaginable violence. April 19, 1995, was a day that changed not only Oklahoma, but the entire nation. It was a day that taught us about the depths of evil -but also revealed the extraordinary heights of courage, compassion and community.

I remember where I was - and felt- that morning. Many of you do, too. That sickening feeling as the first images of the Murrah Federal Building appeared on TV. The dust. The twisted metal. The chaos. The tears. And above all, the silence that followed -an eerie, collective breath held across the state as we waited, hoped and mourned.

We remember the 168 lives lost that day - children, mothers, fathers, friends, co-workers. Each of them had stories, dreams and loved ones waiting for them. We remember the injured - those who survived but carried deep scars both visible and unseen. And we remember the families, whose grief is etched forever in time.

But we also remember something else.

We remember the bravery.

First responders from every corner of Oklahoma raced to the scene, not knowing what dangers still lay ahead. Among them were heroes from right here in Okmulgee County - firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers and volunteers who didn’t hesitate to answer the call. They dropped everything and drove straight into the heart of the devastation. Not for glory. Not for recognition. But because that’s what Oklahomans do - we show up.

Some of those same first responders have since retired. Others have passed on. But their service stands as a lasting testament to the strength and resilience of our community. Men and women - like former Henryetta Fire Chief Raymond Eldridge - each played a role in the recovery efforts, and they deserve to be remembered alongside those on the front lines in Oklahoma City.

What continues to strike me even now is how the worst in humanity was answered by the very best.

People brought water, supplies, food - anything they could. Churches opened their doors. Blood donation lines stretched around the block. And in the middle of heartbreak, the Oklahoma Standard was born - a spirit of generosity and unity that still defines us to this day.

As we mark this 30th anniversary, I encourage everyone to pause.

Take a moment this weekend. Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial, if you can. Say a prayer. Talk to your children and grandchildren about what happened. Share the stories. Remember the names. And most of all - never forget.

Because life can change in an instant. We are reminded of that each time a siren wails or breaking news alerts flash across our screens. But we also know that in those moments, we are never alone. We stand together, just as we did then, and just as we must now.

To those we lost - we remember you.

To those who served - we honor you.

To the survivors - we walk with you.

May April 19 forever be a solemn reminder of how fragile, yet how fiercely precious, life truly is.

And may we continue to live in a way that always remembers never forgets - and always reaches out.