Washington, D.C.--Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas (R-6th) testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives Resources Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands. Lucas, author of legislation to establish a National Memorial at the site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing on April 19, 1995, spoke in support of his legislation.

"I am proud to have introduced H.R. 1849, the Oklahoma City National Memorial Act of 1997," Lucas said. "This historical legislation is a huge step in the healing process for the people of my state and the entire nation."

"When a massive bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, it shook Oklahoma City's foundation and shocked the nation," Lucas continued. "Few events in the century have rocked Americans' perceptions of themselves and their institutions, and have brought together the people of our great nation with such intensity, as this devastating crime.

"Given the national and international impact and reaction, the federal character of the site of the bombing, and the significant percentage of the victims and survivors who were federal employees, a National Memorial designation is highly appropriate," Lucas said. "My legislation heralds the spirit, determination, and hope of Oklahomans and all Americans who have persevered in the wake of such a tragic event. The Oklahoma City Memorial will be established, designed, managed and maintained to educate present and future generations."

H.R. 1849 designates the bombing site as a National Memorial and part of the National Park Service. It creates the National Memorial Trust and authorizes $5 million in federal funding. Another $5 million is being sought from the Oklahoma State Legislature, along with a goal of raising $19 million in private donations for the $24 million structure.

The memorial will encompass the Murrah building site, Fifth Street between Robinson and Harvey and the sites of the Water Resources and the Journal Record buildings. Its park-like atmosphere is created by numerous evergreens standing watch over a field of 168 empty, glass chairs, in remembrance of those who died. The Survivor Tree, witness to the violence of the moment, stands north of a large reflecting pool.

"Leaders from across the country have already stepped forward in a bipartisan effort to support this National Memorial," Lucas said. "The Senate has already shown its support by passing companion legislation on July 31. And on August 13, President Clinton invited the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation to a ceremony at the White House where he endorsed the memorial design."

Lucas acknowledged that the National Park Service has expressed concerns over the management structure of the memorial, with a local trust overseeing the site. "As with all bombing-related legislation we've passed over the past two-plus years, this is breaking new ground," Lucas said. "I believe we can come to an arrangement workable with the local leadership and the National Park Service.

"The Park Service is very tradition-oriented, and this is a non-traditional memorial."

Lucas was joined today by three testimonial panels comprised largely of representatives from Oklahoma. The first panel included members from the National Park Service, the General Services Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Bob Johnson, President of the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation; Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick; and Hans Butzer, Designer of the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial comprised the second panel. The third panel was filled by Gary Marrs, Chief of the Oklahoma City Fire Department; Bud Welch, Member of the Oklahoma City Memorial Task Force, and Don Rogers, former Manager of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

"I felt fortunate to testify today in the company of those who have helped to lead the recovery efforts of our state," Lucas said. "As a resident of Oklahoma, I appreciate their initiative and never-ending work to help pull together what was once a broken city."