• Bill Clinton returns to Oklahoma City 30 years after the bombing that killed 168.
• He emphasizes the need for unity and learning from the “Oklahoma Standard.”
• The anniversary ceremony included readings of victims' names and community reflections.

On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, former President Bill Clinton returned to commemorate the victims and console those affected by the tragic event. Clinton, who was president on April 19, 1995, delivered a keynote speech at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, reflecting on the bombing that resulted in the deaths of 168 people, including 19 children, and the profound impact it had on the nation, according to CBS News.

Recalling his visit shortly after the incident, Clinton stated, "I still remember as if it were 30 minutes ago," emphasizing the bond formed in grief and the commitment to stand by the community. He reiterated, "You have lost too much, but you have not lost everything... we will be with you for as many tomorrows as it takes," according to Los Angeles Times.

In his address, Clinton cautioned against the "polarizing" nature of modern politics, warning that divisiveness can lead to violence, similar to what was seen 30 years ago. He urged the nation to adopt the "Oklahoma Standard," a phrase reflecting the city’s resilience characterized by service and kindness in the aftermath of the bombing, as articulated by The Hill.

The remembrance ceremony included the reading of the names of the 168 victims, with participation from former officials, including ex-Governor Frank Keating and Mayor Ron Norick, both of whom were in office during the bombing. The event was initially set for the outdoor memorial but was relocated due to inclement weather, according to HuffPost.

Clinton's connection to the tragedy is personal, as one of the victims, Alan Whicher, was a friend and a U.S. Secret Service agent. He remembered Whicher fondly during his address, reflecting on their friendship and his commitment to the affected community, according to India Times.

The ceremony concluded with a procession to the memorial, which features 168 empty chairs representing the lives lost, further emphasizing the memorial's mission to educate future generations about the senselessness of political violence, stated Kari Watkins, the memorial's president and CEO, according to Los Angeles Times.