Born and raised in Oklahoma, Reba McEntire never forgot about the town she grew up in and how her siblings started the Singing McEntires. Eventually pursuing a career in music, Reba became a top name in country as she sold millions of albums and recorded hit songs like “You Lie”, “Is There Life Out There”, and “Fancy.” Continuing to explore her career in country music and Hollywood, the hitmaker recently took a break from the stage to honor the survivors and victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.
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On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh carried out one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in the history of the United States. Manufacturing a bomb with help from Terry Nichols, McVeigh detonated the device shortly after 9:00 a.m. The blast not only destroyed a large portion of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, but caused over 160 people to lose their lives. Another 684 individuals were hurt. At the time, it was estimated the repairs to the surrounding area cost over $650 million.
While happening 30 years ago, Reba made sure to remember those impacted by the terrorist attack over the weekend. Although staying at her home in Nashville, the country star took a moment to plant a seedling from the Survivor Tree. At the time of the bombing, an American elm, sitting near the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was the only tree to survive the blast.
Reba McEntire Never Forgot About Those Who Perished
Becoming a symbol to the surviving families and those around the city, Reba decided to plant the seed at her home in Tennessee. Sharing a post on Facebook, she wrote, “30 years ago today, a horrific act of terrorism occurred in Oklahoma City in our great home state of Oklahoma. Today, we planted a seedling from The Survivor Tree, the only tree that survived the tragedy. We planted this tree in honor of those 168 precious lives lost that day, and as a symbol of hope for the future.”
Never forgetting about the deadly attack, fans filled the comment section with love for the victims. “What a beautiful thing to do. I remember it like it was yesterday. Such a sad sad day. Keeping all the families in my thoughts and prayers.” Others praised Reba for keeping their memories alive. “What a wonderful way to remember that horrific day and honor those who lost their lives. We have visited that memorial and it makes our hearts hurt thinking all who died.”
Besides showing off the amazing landscape behind her, Reba wasn’t alone as her boyfriend Rex Lynn stood beside her.
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry)
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