We Remember The Murrah Building

The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was a United States federal government complex located at 200 N.W. 5th Street in Downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. The building was the target of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, which killed 168 people, 19 of whom were children under the age of six.[1] Half of the building collapsed seconds after the truck bomb detonated. The remains of the building were imploded a month after the attack, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial was built on the site.



THE SURVIVOR TREE

Many residents do not know that on our common grounds we have a cutting of THE SURVIVOR TREE from the Oklahoma City Murrah Bombing (April 19, 1995). Seedlings have been given to many sites around the nation as a symbol of strength and healing for victims of tragedies. This cutting was given to us by Rob and Daleen Hanan who lived at 15816 Napa Ridge. I’m not sure if we ever acknowledge their gift, but it’s way past time now.

Daleen attended a luncheon where cuttings were the table prizes and she won the drawing! Rob and Daleen nursed the cutting in their garage until the right time to plant it. We thought the best site would be somewhere close to the flag pole. At that time, we already had large trees on either side of the mailboxes, so Rodrigo planted it behind to the North. Lin Hunsley, neighbor to the East, saw to it that it was watered. Now it is of substantial size and it is beautiful! Recently, Richard Gilbert, our Grounds and Maintenance Chairman asked Rodrigo to reposition a boarder of bricks around it. We are so fortunate and feel this is a very special gift. Plans are being made to place a plaque by the tree to acknowledge their thoughtfulness and generosity.

Rob Hanan served as Treasurer and Board President for several years. He since passed away on October 18, 2014. Daleen recently moved to be closer to family members. They were very special neighbors.  For more information about The Survivor Tree at these websites:
Seedlings From OKC Survivor Tree Spread New Life
Survivor Tree
Survivor Tree Seedling Program – World Trade Center Memorial
Seeding Program

Marty McCharen
July 14, 2016