Service to honor bombing victims

By Jay F. Marks

Published: April 16, 2006

For Kari Watkins, the 11th anniversary of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing is as important as the first.

9/11 defendant lauds McVeigh

Wednesday's 9 a.m. remembrance ceremony at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is an opportunity to remember what happened and focus on the city's resilience in overcoming the worst act of domestic terrorism on U.S. soil, the memorial director said.

"It's an important time to pause and remember why we built this memorial and museum," Watkins said.

Diane Leonard, whose husband Don was killed in the bombing, said the ceremony is an ideal way to remember those who died.

The names of those who were killed that day will be read as part of the ceremony.

"No one ever wants their loved ones to be forgotten," Leonard said. "Plus, it's an opportunity to remind folks that violence does not resolve issues."

The April 19, 1995, bombing resulted in the deaths of 168 people.

The site of the former federal building is now home to a memorial to those who died, with a museum next door in the old Journal Record building.

Admission to the museum will be free on Wednesday, courtesy of Cox Communications. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City National Memorial will present Durga Ghimire with its second annual Reflections of Hope Award. She is being honored for her work with families in guerrilla-controlled areas of Nepal.

Ghimire will receive the award and a $25,000 cash grant at a dinner at the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall.