April 19, 1995, 9:02 a.m. — Terrorism struck Oklahoma City when a bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Within minutes, the American Red Cross began providing crucial support. Volunteers opened shelters, served meals, helped find missing persons, and offered mental health services to victims and first responders. They also managed the Compassion Center, a place set up for people seeking news, information and solace. The Red Cross went on to help victims and their families with unmet needs for years after the bombing.

The American Red Cross Serving Central and Southwest Oklahoma hosted a reception the day before the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing to commemorate the relief efforts that took place in response to the tragedy and honor the selfless volunteers who carried them out.

The event, "Shining through the Darkness: a Red Cross tribute,” welcomed current and past volunteers, board members, and community partners to hear about the Red Cross’ work during and after the response. Central and Southwest Oklahoma Chapter Executive Director Loida Haffner Salmond welcomed guests at the start of the event, and Regional CEO Megan Haddock delivered closing remarks.

The reception featured several speakers whose lives and careers are tied to April 19, 1995: former state Sen. George Young, who was the chaplain at St. Anthony’s Hospital when the bombing happened; United Way of Central Oklahoma CEO Debby Hampton, who worked for the Red Cross at the time; Oklahoma Gov. Frank and Mrs. Cathy Keating; Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick; Oklahoma City Fire Chief Gary Marrs; bombing survivor Polly Nichols; and Ken Thompson, whose mother was the last victim identified more than a month after the attack.

“What the Red Cross did during the bombing was fantastic because it was there immediately. Whether it was with the families, whether it was with the Myriad [Convention Center] or at the site itself originally. It just meant so much,” Norick said during the reception. “And I think people around the world — not just the country, but people around the world — understood what Oklahomans were about.”

The Red Cross supported first responders by providing them with food, water, tools and even extra clothes. Volunteers were also there for families and friends of victims who faced an agonizing wait to learn whether their loved ones had survived.

“They were there right in the middle of our rescue and recovery. Whether it was at the First Christian Church there to listen to counsel, to guide, to love, to hug those who were waiting to hear about their loved ones or those who were there because they'd lost their loved ones,” said Cathy Keating.

The Oklahoma City bombing was the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in U.S. history. It killed 168 people, 19 of them children. Hundreds more were injured.

Losing his mother, Virginia, to a terrorist attack when she was just 56 years old changed the course of Thompson’s life. He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and was director of external affairs for the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, which was founded in response to the bombing.

Thompson reflected on the impact Red Cross volunteers had on his family.

“I’ve always been wanting to give back in some way. It's been emotional to be able to see a lot of old friends who helped me in a time of my need. We happened to be a family that had to wait a little bit longer, but no less, they made a huge difference to us,” Thompson said after the event.

Red Cross volunteers know that help can’t wait. Those whose actions shined through the darkness 30 years ago will not be forgotten.

“Without volunteers like the Red Cross and a lot of other nonprofits, you just you couldn't get through one of these. You just absolutely couldn't. So, it's important that people know the importance of helping and volunteer organizations,” Norick said after the event.

If you’re inspired to turn your compassion into action, put on a red vest and join us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.

See more event photos on Flickr. Special thanks to Pearson Photography for capturing it.