Oklahomans Have Long Tradition of Resilience, Perseverance

May 28,2013

The people of the plains state of Oklahoma have shown determination in facing disasters, both natural and human. One week ago, a powerful tornado tore through Moore, an Oklahoma City suburb, killing more than 20 people. But as area residents are living up to what has come to be known as the Oklahoma Standard.

In a rural area of Oklahoma, Todd Mauldin lost his house and truck.

"I have had three close calls, and this was the third one, and it got me!" he said.

This kind of pluck and good-humored determination is what people admire about Oklahomans.

In this devastated neighborhood in the suburb called Moore, most people plan to rebuild and remain. This is not the first time this state has faced tragedy. It has suffered more disasters per capita than any other state and not all were natural.

On April 19, 1995 a bomb blew up in front of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people.

Timothy McVeigh was later tried, convicted and executed for the crime.

Oklahomans came together to help the victims and later built a monument, with metal chairs set in rows where the building once stood.

Sue Craig, a guide, explains the symbolism. "There are 168 chairs, one for each person, and at the base there is their name inscribed," she said.

Craig remembers that day well, even though she was not there at the time.