Three decades after the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, former President Bill Clinton will return to Oklahoma City on Saturday to commemorate the victims of the 1995 bombing and stand in solidarity with survivors and their families.

Clinton, who was president at the time of the attack on April 19, 1995, will deliver the keynote address at a remembrance ceremony hosted near the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building killed 168 people—including 19 children—and injured hundreds more.

Now 78, Clinton is widely remembered for his compassionate leadership in the wake of the tragedy, helping to comfort a grieving nation during one of its darkest moments.

“The nation’s eyes were there. The nation’s heart was broken there,” Clinton said in a recent video shared by the Clinton Foundation. “I was privately praying that I would find the right words, the right tone, the right rhythm to somehow get into the mind and heart of as many Americans as possible.”

Due to forecasted severe weather, the ceremony—originally planned for the outdoor memorial—has been moved indoors to a nearby church and will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Clinton has made multiple visits to the site over the years and often speaks on key anniversaries, reflecting on the profound emotional toll of the attack and the enduring strength of the Oklahoma City community.

Kari Watkins, president and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, emphasized the importance of educating future generations about the impact of political violence and the enduring message of unity that followed the tragedy.

“When we built this place, we knew we’d eventually be speaking to people who weren’t born or don’t remember the story,” Watkins said. “Now, not just children are visiting—teachers are bringing the story to life for them in classrooms.”

The Oklahoma City bombing marked a defining moment in American history, reshaping domestic security policies and becoming a lasting symbol of both devastating loss and collective resilience.

This year’s commemoration seeks to honor the lives lost and reaffirm a message of remembrance, peace, and hope for generations to come.