J.C. Watts: “On April 19, 1995 the greatest act of domestic terrorism occurred in my home state of Oklahoma. This heinous bombing of…”

“On April 19, 1995 the greatest act of domestic terrorism occurred in my home state of Oklahoma. This heinous bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building was supposed to strike fear and terror into the hearts of every Oklahoman and every American. 168 people were killed. Including 19 innocent children. To this day the image of little Baylee Almon lying lifeless in the arms of an Oklahoma City firefighter brings tears to my eyes. However, despite this tragic loss of life, the men who were responsible for this bombing did not succeed in terrorizing America. In the aftermath of the bombing, Oklahomans and Americans did not show signs of fear or terror, they showed signs of love and compassion. I saw Americans respond not as Republicans or Democrats, not as rich or poor, not as black or white, not as man or woman, but I saw this country respond in a difficult time as unified Americans. When I look back on that terrible day 5 years ago, the first thing I remember is not the pain, I remember the compassion. Today, this House stands together to let you know we will never forget. We will never forget the events that transpired on April 19, 1995, we will never forget the pain we felt, but most importantly we will never forget the overwhelming love that overcame the pain.”