Over 2,000 miles on the trek across America and we had a powerful day in Oklahoma City on Thursday!
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a moving national tribute to the lives affected by the Murrah Federal Building bombing on April 19, 1995.
The story of the largest domestic terrorist attack in American history is told in powerful features such as “The Field of Empty Chairs.” Representing each of the 168 lives lost, it marks where the building once stood.
The Memorial Museum is a transformative experience, with state-of-the-art storytelling, where exhibits follow the impact of violence and pursuit of justice. On 3.3 acres in downtown Oklahoma City, it is a place of quiet reflection and hope.
Elliott’s Reflections: I have not thought much about the bombing of the Federal Bldg in Oklahoma, killing children and adults in April 1995. We were in Europe and watched with horror. Decades later, visiting the site brought forth these reflections:
It was Domestic Terrorism. The language of the bombers was filled with hate and anger towards the government. They used their beliefs to justify horrid violence and destruction of lives and security.
The Language of Domestic Terrorism is Still Alive in 2022. From the storming of the Capitol to harsh and destructive words/actions - it felt so parallel in spirit and self-justification.
Oklahoma (and the Nation) Quickly Collaborated: The first responders from the city and the country responded quickly and effectively, to rescue trapped citizens and to bring the community of Oklahoma together for much needed healing and support.
Ukraine Bombs and Violence Shatters Across Our Spirits: Minutes after leaving the Memorial Site, news reports from Ukraine, detailing the Russian bombing of communities and the killing of innocent children brought forth tears about violence in 1995 and war crimes in 2022.
Affirmation & Empathy from a Parking Lot in Oklahoma: Our Tesla was parked at a charger outside of the city and I prepared to co-host our monthly Empathy Concert with Telly Leung and wonderful Broadway/Nashville music stars.
The theme for the Empathy Concert was about Affirmations. Coming through a 2 year Pandemic period, there is much that we can affirm in people, institutions and even technologies that helped survive and adapt in these times.
I wanted to share one of the songs from the Empathy Concert, sung by Pierre Marais in English and French - that reflects the sense of Affirmation we all need:
The full Empathy Concert will be on our website later today at www.masie.com
Yes, Snow in Amarillo, Texas This Morning: Woke up this morning in Amarillo, Texas to several inches of snow on the group and temperatures in the 20’s. Brr! We head towards Santa Fe, New Mexico today:
Love Hearing from Colleagues: Wonderful to get notes from learning colleagues around the world - as they follow our trek across America. Send notes to emasie@masie.com
Yours in Learning,
Elliott Masie