UPDATE: The Oklahoma City Thunder and the community are uniting to commemorate 30 years since the devastating bombing that claimed 168 lives on April 19, 1995. As the Thunder approach their NBA Championship victory, the emotional ties to the past resonate deeply within the team and the city.
Just hours ago, Kyle Genzer, who lost his mother, Jamie Genzer, in the bombing, stood at the Oklahoma City National Memorial alongside the Field of Empty Chairs. Each chair represents a victim of the tragedy, including his mother, who worked in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. “I can feel her presence here,” Genzer expressed, highlighting the ongoing emotional connection to the memorial.
The Thunder’s journey in Oklahoma City began in 2008, and since then, the organization has committed to honoring the memory of the victims. General Manager Sam Presti has instilled a culture that emphasizes the Oklahoma Standard, a term that encapsulates resilience, community support, and kindness in the face of adversity.
In a stunning display of unity, the Thunder have intertwined their identity with the city’s recovery efforts. Presti initiated a tradition where every player and staff member tours the memorial upon joining the team. This annual tradition emphasizes understanding the profound impact of the bombing on the community and the shared commitment to healing.
During the recent Remembrance Ceremony, Genzer, now 44, alongside his son Brendlee, read the names of those lost. They met with Presti, who emphasized, “The Thunder would not be in Oklahoma City without the response that took place on April 19, 1995.” This acknowledgment of history fosters a deep bond between the team and its fans, reminding them of their collective journey.
As the Thunder gear up for the NBA Championship, the spirit of the community is palpable. On June 22, 2025, the city is set to hold a massive parade celebrating the team’s success, with expected attendance reaching 500,000 people. The Thunder’s connection to the memorial will be evident as they celebrate for those who lost their lives, ensuring their memory lives on.
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to reflect the values of compassion and resilience that emerged from the tragedy. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Hartenstein have voiced their commitment to the community, understanding that their success is intertwined with the stories of those affected by the bombing. Hartenstein noted, “The way those families in the city have bounced back from it is so inspiring and so motivational.”
As the city prepares for the championship celebration, memories of the tragic past remain at the forefront. Local leaders, including Mayor David Holt, emphasize the importance of remembering those lost, stating, “Today is for the families who lost so much on April 19, 1995.”
In a powerful moment, the Thunder invited family members of the victims to unveil special jerseys during the championship festivities, further solidifying the team’s commitment to honoring the past. As the sun sets on a city transformed by tragedy into one of hope and unity, the Oklahoma City Thunder stand as a beacon of resilience.
This evolving narrative of healing and triumph continues to resonate not just in the hearts of Oklahomans, but across the nation, reminding everyone that out of the darkest moments can come strength, community, and a shared purpose. The Thunder’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of Oklahoma City, a place where the past meets a hopeful future.