Oklahoma Hero's - April 19, 1995

Poem Written by Robert C. Cline on April 30, 1995 in honor of all of our First Responders. He wrote this poem in a single setting.

From deep within the bowels of Satan,

spewed forth his demon force;

And settled in the hearts of a few,

and set them on their course.

Their goal was to bomb, maim and destroy;

to cause heartache, pain, and grief,

In Oklahoma City they did just that;

the devastation was beyond belief.

But, this is not about the few,

who brought about this shame;

Rather, I would praise by poem,

those many heroes, some are still unnamed.

Heroes who were but common folks,

still, heroes one and all;

Who rallied there in Oklahoma,

to answer their neighbors call.

Day and night they worked so hard,

to free those still alive;

Knowing all the while they worked,

that some would not survive.

In the shadow of the weakened building,

that could fall, and trap them too;

Like moles they burrowed through the rubble,

doing all that they could do.

A storm came up, and engulfed them,

with driving rain, and lashing wind;

But, through it all, they still worked on,

their courage would not bend.

At times the storm would halt their efforts,

yet never for very long;

A nursery filled with trapped children,

was the force that drove them on.

So many lives they saved from the rubble,

while others were brought out dead;

Time itself was working against them,

it filled their hearts with dread.

Still, it did not stop them,

as frantically they continued to search;

Knowing all the while, they too could die,

for in the injured building, death did surely lurk.

They did their best, they gave their all,

no more could anyone give;

And all the giving that they gave,

was so that some might live.

I did not see their color;

nor did I see race, sex, or creed;

All were members of the same species,

responding to their fellow man’s need.

We should all be thankful for these heroes,

who represent us as a whole;

For we’ve all got common interest,

and we’ve all got common goals.

The passion, and dreams that fill your hearts,

I know fill my heart too;

And we’ve all fulfilled our mission in life,

if to our own self we’ve been true.

So, let us pull together as a people,

not as a nation, or a country, or a town;

Let us reach out to one another,

and freely spread love around.

For greatness dwells in all of us,

just waiting to come out;

And the giving of self to those in need,

is really what life’s about.

For all those victims in Oklahoma,

my heart does shamefully bleed;

But, know that there are always heroes,

who will comfort you in your need.

So, to our Heroes we humbly wish to extend,

our heartfelt gratitude, and thanks;

And pray that when we’re called upon,

we’ll have the courage, that will place us among your ranks…..

Oklahoma City fire Capt. Chris Fields carries 1-year-old Baylee Almon, in this file photo shot Wednesday, April, 19, 1995 at the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.

The child died of her injuries. (AP Photo/Charles H. Porter IV, File)ASSOCIATED PRESS

On Wednesday, April 19, 1995, at 9:03 a.m. a bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The “bombing in the heartland” killed 168 people, including 19 children younger than 6 years old. More than 500 people were injured.

Posted in Honor of all of our First Responders that put their lives on the line for their fellowman.