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Contact: Kevin Bowles Mohr, 580-497-2742
On Sunday, April 19, 2015 join Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City by participating in a ribbon tying ceremony around the survivor tree saplings in front of the Visitor Center. Against all odds, an American Elm Tree survived the blast on April 19, 1995 and served as a silent witness to those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever. In 2006, four seedlings from that survivor tree were planted at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site to honor those who died at the Battle of the Washita and in Oklahoma City. At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, Park Ranger Joel Shockley will speak briefly in the Visitor Center about the bombing, how the seedlings serve as a living symbol of resilience for both descendants of the battle and survivors of the bombing and how tragic events of the past can also provide lessons of strength and courage for the future. Immediately following the program, the public will be invited to tie red, white, yellow and black ribbons, sacred colors of the Cheyenne Tribe, around each of the four survivor tree seedlings. The tying of ribbons on these trees is reflective of the prayer cloths Native Americans tie on trees and fence posts at the site of the battle in remembrance of their ancestors. WHAT: Survivor Trees and the Battle of the Washita-Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center |
Last updated: April 15, 2015