On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, former US President Bill Clinton returned to a city indelibly branded with tragedy. His message was urgent and timely. He called on Americans to rise above political anger and restore unity once again.

Honoring the 168 lost lives in the 1995 bombing, Clinton issued a larger warning: America’s democracy cannot endure when division characterizes it.

Call to Heal, Not Hurt

Bill Clinton, aged 78 now, stood in front of survivors and relatives at a remembrance ceremony on Saturday. He started with a meditation on unity, rather than sorrow. In his view, the future of the country lies in whether the people opt for compassion or control.

Thirty years ago the Oklahoma City bombing changed our country forever. Today, the people of Oklahoma City remind us what it means to come together in the face of adversity.

I hope you’ll tune in this morning as we remember with @OKCNM:https://t.co/f7RFyxojeJ

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 19, 2025

If our existence is to be controlled by attempting to control people we disagree with,” he explained, “we’re going to jeopardize the 250-year-old movement towards a more perfect union.” He continued, “Believe me, we all have something to be angry about.”

Clearly, his plea for civility follows a period of increasing political division.

April 19: Morning Marked by Terror and Loss

Bill Clinton looked back at the day of the bombing. He had been jogging with Boston Marathon champions when word arrived. A truck bomb had destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The blast killed 168, including 19 children.

He reminded the audience that the victims were largely public servants. “What they did on a daily basis was a matter of choice—showing up for work to conduct business for the American people,” he said.

This own personal recollection laid the ground for greater reflection.

Terrorism’s Intent: Division and Destruction

Making historical connections to contemporary situations, Clinton issued a warning that extremism persists. The Oklahoma bomber envisioned wreaking national havoc and toppling the government. Clinton warned that destruction is still seen as being able to propel change by some.

“Often, a fanatic will say: ‘Collateral damage had to happen to make a statement,’” he said. “But I’ve never heard that from someone who had to live with the damage.”

Thus, his words felt especially relevant in today’s volatile political environment.

Oklahoma Standard Still Matters

Clinton did not just talk about pain. He spoke of Oklahoma’s response afterward, of a legacy that still inspires. He remembered how people came together and gave birth to what came to be called the “Oklahoma Standard”—a standard of service, of kindness, of honor.

“We were there for you when you needed us,” Clinton said. “America needs the Oklahoma Standard today. We all live by it.

This standard, he believes, remains the antidote to division.

Clinton’s Humor Hides a Warning

In a lighter moment, Clinton poked fun at his age. “I’m old and can’t run for anything anymore,” he said. “I’m almost as old as President Trump.”

While it drew laughs, the remark subtly underscored a deeper point—his leadership style contrasts sharply with the aggressive tone of modern politics.

Clinton’s Message Offers Moral Clarity

Eventually, Clinton’s comments went beyond a moment of commemoration. He offered a morality compass at a moment when public discourse in America feels fractured. By doing that, he made the nation think about how compassion and bravery would have to prove stronger than spite and recrimination.

Returning to Oklahoma worked not just as a tribute to victims but to remind Americans themselves of decency–before it becomes too late.