'A declaration of hope:' OKC community gathers for Sunrise Service at Survivor Tree

Runners, families, and visitors gathered beneath the Survivor Tree for a meaningful and peaceful start to Marathon Sunday with the annual sunrise service at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday.

This year's sunrise service unfolded beneath a heavy blanket of fog, lending an almost otherworldly atmosphere to the gathering. As runners, families, and visitors stood beneath the tree's canopy, the mist softened the city skyline and seemed to wrap the memorial grounds in a solemn embrace.

Speakers offered words of reflection for all attendees at the service.

"Every step you take today, every cheer you make today, is a declaration of hope. It is a testament to this nation whose eyes are on Oklahoma City gathering to remember the tragedy, but to be the light."

Held just before participants assemble at the starting line for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, the service offered a moment of reflection under the Survivor Tree. The 100-year-old American elm stands at the highest point of the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, its canopy shading those who come each year to honor the 168 lives lost in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

About the Survivor Tree

Nearly 30 years after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the Survivor Tree continues to inspire the nation. The century-old American elm, once nearly cut down during the investigation, now stands as a symbol of strength and rebirth at the center of the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Located in what was once a parking lot, the tree withstood the blast of a 4,000-pound bomb on April 19, 1995. The tree was burned and nearly lifeless, and was expected to die. However, it survived, representing the spirit of Oklahoma City and the endurance of those impacted by the bombing.

Spreading its Legacy

The tree’s symbolism has extended beyond Oklahoma. Clones from the original tree have been planted across the country, including at Scissortail Park and the United States Capitol. The Oklahoma City Survivor Tree stands next to a clone of the 9/11 Survivor Tree in Washington, DC.

The Survivor Tree is more than a piece of Oklahoma’s landscape. It is a living memorial that serves to remind us that new life and hope can grow from tragedy.

Read more about the Survivor Tree

Related:

'More than a race:' Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon unites community in purpose and motion

How did the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon start? The run that started it all

How a 78-year-old woman is honoring her cousin in the OKC Memorial Marathon

25 years of dedication: Volunteers reflect on the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon