Concert to Honor Responders, Volunteers of Murrah Bombing

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Plans are being finalized in downtown for the 15th anniversary of the Murrah bombing, but one organization is paying tribute to the volunteers who helped out on that dark day in Oklahoma City's history.

Monday's ceremony is expected to draw a large crowd, but a smaller group is gathered at the memorial Saturday. A group of survivors, family members and first responders took a private tour through the museum Saturday evening.

On Monday, officials expect the site will be packed with people from all over the world to remember the events of April 19, 1995, but there is another location in Oklahoma City that played a key role in the events that took place following the bombing. The First Christian Church became the gathering spot for families who waited for hours, even days, on their loved one's fate. Fifteen years later, the church wanted to recognize and thank all those who responded as volunteers.

The church's music director, Nettie Williams, was the only person left on staff today who was there when the attack happened. Now Williams has organized a free concert open to the public on Sunday at 2 p.m.

"The whole purpose is to bring recognition to that community spirit that Oklahoma City became known for nationally, that wonderful coming together of the community," Williams said.

The church is asking that anyone who volunteered in any way on the day of the bombing to show up to the event.