Oklahoma City National Memorial
The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a memorial in the United States that honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. The memorial is located in downtown Oklahoma City on the former site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was destroyed in the 1995 bombing. This building was located on NW 5th Street between N. Robinson Avenue and N. Harvey Avenue.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_National_Memorial

Reflecting Pool
The reflecting pool occupies what was once N.W. Fifth Street. Here, a shallow depth of gently flowing water helps soothe wounds, with calming sounds providing a peaceful setting for quiet thoughts. The placid surface shows the reflection of someone changed forever by their visit to the Memorial.
www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/index.php

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Oklahoma just North of the Red River and the state line with Texas on US Highway 75/69. There was a stone sign (see below) in this location in May 2010. Life's mysteries! :-)

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Oklahoma just North of the Red River and the state line with Texas on US Highway 75/69.

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The Survivor Tree, surrounded by the Rescuers' Orchard, stands in front of the Journal Record Building, which houses the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

An American elm on the north side of the Memorial, this was the only shade tree in the parking lot across the street from the Murrah Building. Commuters arrived early to get one of the shady parking spots provided by its branches. Photos of Oklahoma City taken in the 1920s show the tree to be about 100 years old. The tree was taken for granted prior to the blast. Heavily damaged by the bomb, the tree survived after nearly being chopped down during the initial investigation, when workers wanted to recover evidence hanging in its branches and embedded in its bark.

The force of the blast ripped most of the branches from the Survivor Tree, glass and debris were embedded in its trunk and fire from the cars parked beneath it blackened what was left. Most thought the tree could not survive. Almost a year after the bombing, family members, survivors and rescue workers gathered for a memorial ceremony by the tree noticed it was beginning to bloom again. The Survivor Tree now thrives, and the Outdoor Memorial design includes a mandate to feature and protect the tree. For example, one of the roots that would have been cut by the wall surrounding the tree was placed inside a large pipe, so it could reach the soil beyond the wall without being damaged. The decking around the tree was raised several feet to make an underground crawlspace; workers enter through a secure hatchway and monitor the health of the tree and maintain its very deep roots.

The inscription around the inside of the deck wall around the Survivor Tree reads:

The spirit of this city and this nation will not be defeated; our deeply rooted faith sustains us.

Hundreds of seeds from the Survivor Tree are planted annually and the resulting saplings are distributed each year on the anniversary of the bombing. Thousands of Survivor Trees are growing in public and private places all over the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_National_Memorial

www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/index.php

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While driving from Texas to Illinois in mid May with my son who was coming home from college, we stopped for gas in Durant, Oklahoma. The gas station was operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, as was the adjacent casino and resort. The gas station had a mini casino loaded with, of course, slot machines. Having just turned 21, and having never been in a casino before, my son had to try his luck. He put a dollar in, and no, didn't win a car! (the Vegas Vacation movie). After a few turns playing the penny slot, he hit a jackpot and cashed out with the grand total of $3.34. First time playing, and he tripled his money! LOL!

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