Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial draws large crowd despite weather concerns

Security is heightened around the Oklahoma City National Memorial as former President Bill Clinton is expected to speak during the annual remembrance ceremony.

Despite concerns that inclement weather would impact turnout, large crowds began gathering outside First Church across from the memorial as early as 6 a.m. Many attendees shared personal stories and connections to the April 19, 1995, bombing that killed 168 people.

Among those in line was a woman honoring her sister who died in the attack, and a man whose wife survived the bombing while working in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. She continued working for the same government agency for 25 years.

For many, the memorial is a somber but essential reminder of the tragedy and the importance of honoring the lives lost.