Former President Bill Clinton returned to Oklahoma City on Saturday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragic bombing that claimed 168 lives, including 19 children, in what remains the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history. Addressing a somber crowd at a remembrance service, Clinton called on Americans to prioritize unity over division, urging them to set aside their grievances and recognize the importance of collaboration in achieving progress.

In his deeply reflective remarks, Clinton, now 78 years old, expressed concern over the growing polarization in contemporary society. If our lives are going to be dominated by efforts to dominate people we disagree with, were going to put the 250-year-old march toward a more perfect union at risk, he stated. He poignantly added, None of us would ever get much done. Believe me, weve all got something to be mad about. This statement resonates strongly in todays political climate, where partisan conflicts often overshadow critical discussions.

The former president reminisced about the morning of April 19, 1995, when he was out jogging with the winners of the Boston Marathon. He recalled how he learned about the devastating explosion that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which housed various government offices. Thirty years ago, I thought I was going to have a different day, he said, reflecting on the unexpected nature of that fateful morning.

As he addressed the audience, Clinton highlighted the significance of the public servants who tragically lost their lives that day. Most of the people who lost their lives were public servants, as we all know, he remarked, emphasizing their daily commitment to serving the American people. This dedication, he suggested, should serve as a reminder of the value of public service and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.

Clinton also drew parallels between the extremist ideologies that fueled the bombing in 1995 and the current political landscape, noting that in recent years the country has grown more polarized. He underscored how the perpetrator of the Oklahoma bombing believed that the act would incite a nationwide uprising against the government, ultimately aiming to dismantle democracy itself. A lot of times a fanatic will tell you, Sorry, this, that or the other thing had to happen but, you know, there had to be collateral damage sometimes to make a statement, he shared. But Ive never heard anybody say that who had to live with the damage.

In closing, Clinton extolled the resilience exhibited by the people of Oklahoma City in the wake of tragedy, referring to the Oklahoma Standard. This term now represents a statewide initiative that promotes acts of service, honor, and kindness, fostering a culture of compassion among citizens. The bombing profoundly shook the country, and did more to all of you. But in the end, it brought out the best in America, he told those gathered, imploring them to carry the spirit of the Oklahoma Standard into todays politically charged environment.

We can still find a way to move forward together with the Oklahoma Standard, he said, emphasizing the need for unity. We were there for you when you needed us. America needs you, and America needs the Oklahoma Standard. We all live by it. With a touch of humor, Clinton joked about his age, stating, Im old and cant run for anything anymore. Im almost as old as President Trump, eliciting laughter from the audience and reminding everyone of the shared humanity in their collective journey.