The Story Behind the Oklahoma City Memorial Tree

My blogger buddy, Rainer Bantau tagged me “it” again in a recent post about his visit to the Oklahoma City Memorial. Our back-and-forth collaborative project started with a meet up in early October–when he was in OKC for a conference.

The Devotional Guy is a real person. I met him myself!

Over lunch, we both hatched a plan to pick a theme and continue the conversation–from one blog to the other.

So, here are my thoughts and experiences surrounding the OKC memorial.

Survivor Tree

The survivor tree is an American Elm that is approximately 100 years old. It used to be behind someone’s house–back in the day–and then it became the lone tree in a parking lot across the street from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building.

On April 19, 1995, it was almost destroyed in a domestic terrorist bombing. Most of its leaves were blown off and many branches were shattered. The FBI wanted to cut it down to collect bombing shrapnel, embedded in the tree, as evidence. Furthermore, cleanup of the area seemed to necessitate its removal.

The tree shortly after the bombing.

Thankfully, the decision was made that the badly damaged tree, which was somehow still alive, would be saved as a part of a future memorial.

And so it was…

Here’s the view I had, gathered around the tree with other hopeful runners, before the start of the OKC Memorial Marathon.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)

Kind reader, I don’t know all that you face in your life–at this very moment, but it’s most likely too soon to quit. If God called you to it, He will see you through it.

Don’t stop believing!


To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.

Comments

34 responses to “The Story Behind the Oklahoma City Memorial Tree”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes it is. Elms are common here, but this one is special–for so many reasons. I ran regularly for 5 years, and then tapered off, during the pandemic. I want to train and run another marathon, with the hopes of breaking 4 hours. Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Priscilla Bettis Avatar

    It’s a beautiful tree.❤

    I hope your Marathon went well!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    So true, Sister P. In my current job, near overwhelm is a frequent friend. It’s easy to say “I can’t do this.” But the reality is I can, but only with God’s help.

    Like

  4. P. Booher Avatar
    P. Booher

    David,

    Your post reminds me of an article I read awhile ago, in which the author exhorted readers to “don’t put a period where God puts a comma”. Sometimes I think one of the most courageous things a person can do is to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, to keep on going, especially when you so much want to quit.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re most welcome, Peggy. Thank you for reading and commenting.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Deborah! It is a beautiful story of resilience I also love how seedlings 🌱 from the survivor tree are growing in many locations around the globe. Somehow arborists have even cloned the tree, so an exact duplicate can live on and on.

    Like

  7. K.L. Hale Avatar

    Thank you, David!! Now, my sweet Dad is being faced with heart surgery tomorrow. He’s a miracle already, too, David! I’m so thankful to God and will never stop believing! 🙏🏻🙏🏻 keep on keeping on too, dear friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. deborah wenzler farris Avatar

    Oh David, maybe I’m just over emotional with the election this week, but this is the third post I’ve read from my blogger friends this morning and each time I’m overcome by tears. What a beautiful story of hope and encouragement. And strength and love. Thank you, my friend. Don’t you just love Elms and Oaks and Maples and Birch and…people…I know God does. All of us, so so much…
    🙏❤️💪

    Liked by 1 person

  9. peggywritesblog Avatar

    Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story! I love the survivor tree history. And I needed the encouragement that “it’s too soon to quit.” Thanks, David.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. davidsdailydose Avatar

    The tree was damaged in a significant ice storm in 2020, but is once again thriving. Dozens of its seedlings are distributed every year on the anniversary of the bombing. The survivor tree has also been successfully cloned, so a duplicate may one day replace the original. Now that’s planning ahead!

    Like

  11. matthewjrichardson Avatar

    I hadn’t heard of the survivor tree – what a fantastic true story.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I’m glad you stopped by my little blog this evening, Bridget. Being a child of God makes us survivors by default, because God is love–the kind we can always rely on. 🙏 His best to you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Bridget Avatar

    Wow, such a great story about the tree. Thank you for sharing this. And the way you wrapped this up – that really hit me. Thank you for that. 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  14. jesusluvsall Avatar

    Looks like more rain in coming days

    Liked by 1 person

  15. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Us too. The rain is a welcome change and a relief.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. jesusluvsall Avatar

    We had red flag warnings most days the past few weeks

    Liked by 1 person

  17. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes! I forgot about the cross (made out of beams) at the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
    We got some of your Nebraska rain today. Thank God! It was very dry here, with a high fire danger.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I needed it too, Crystal. I knew being an assistant principal would be challenging, but there are times when I find myself saying, “I can’t do this.” Of course, I don’t completely believe it. But there are moments…😵‍💫
    I’m glad you are back in the classroom. Teaching English seems like a passion for you.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. jesusluvsall Avatar

    The tree is a memorial for those who lost their lives that day. The tree is iconic like the cross formed by the wreckage after 9-11.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Crystal Byers Avatar

    “…it’s most likely too soon to quit.” I needed that.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. God Still Speaks Avatar

    Further proof that God is amazing!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. davidsdailydose Avatar

    The OKC memorial website also mentioned how seeds and seedlings 🌱 from the tree are growing in parks and residences throughout Oklahoma and as far away as Israel. There’s even one on the White House lawn!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. God Still Speaks Avatar

    I had forgotten about this tree! How amazing to see it flourishing!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Indeed, God does provide where He guides. He calls, and even re-calls us breakable humans to His work. Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Don't Lose Hope Avatar

    What a tree, and what an inspiring story. Thank you, too, for encouraging us to believe that God will always strengthen us for the tasks he has called us to.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Alan Kearns Avatar

    I remember the news coverage of the bombing, it was a big shock even in the UK. Thank you for sharing this remembrance with me brother.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, brother. The Oklahoma City bombing was a shocking act of the violence in the heartland of our country—which is known for its conservative family values. A disgruntled and bitter U.S. Army veteran, with a grudge against the federal government, killed over 160 people. I only share this background, in case you don’t know the history.
    The memorial is such a peaceful and reflective place, built to honor those who lost their lives that horrible morning—and also for the survivors and first responders. It’s near the busiest parts of downtown, but the reverent silence there is pronounced. The survivor tree is a favorite place to sit and ponder my existence—remembering that God is indeed good, despite the worst acts of people.
    God’s best to you and Susan. 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

    Liked by 2 people

  28. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Amen, Karla. Faith, hope, and love! You are a survivor yourself, and it’s inspiring to know you still believe in the grace and goodness of God. Keep doing what you’re doing, sister!

    Liked by 1 person

  29. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I lived in South Louisiana (Lake Charles) for 18 months. I was bitten by mosquitoes on Christmas Day!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Betty Avatar

    Congratulations on the marathons! That is a way beyond “Betty and Dan” goal! I doubt those mosquitoes are gone. They are likely gearing up for my return! Have a good day, David!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. K.L. Hale Avatar

    Thank you, dear David, for sharing this beautiful and profound post. The pictures and words pair perfectly. I’m so happy you two met! I wanted to stop there again coming through last week. It always gives me pause to pray. Faith and hope! May we all continue to flourish with faith through these times. God bless you, my friend!

    Liked by 2 people

  32. davidsdailydose Avatar

    The annual marathon starts on the street next to the memorial. There is a brief worship (send off) service around the survivor tree early that morning—before the run starts. It was so peaceful encircling this resilient old elm with dozens and dozens of other runners. 🏃🏻🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ We prayed together, and then we lined up to start shortly there after.
    By the way, I ran my first marathon at the age of 50, and completed another one the next year. My best time is 4:01.37. Not bragging, but it was a Betty & Dan worthy goal that I worked hard to accomplish.
    Thanks for stopping by! Look out Florida Everglades, the Chambers are coming back! Hopefully the mosquitoes are already gone?
    God Bless!

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Alan Kearns Avatar

    What a lovely heartening story of the survivor tree; a reminder of God’s grace being displayed to encourage many souls, and maybe turn some to Christ. Thank you for sharing this David. God bless you and Nancy today 🙏

    Liked by 2 people

  34. Betty Avatar

    David, the picture of the bombed out scene is very powerful. And the view of the tree at the start of the Memorial Marathon is a testament to faith and hope. Thank you for your post.

    Liked by 3 people

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