When we were planning our recent coast-to-coast road trip, we had some “must-sees” along the way and a few hard arrival dates that we needed to hit. Mostly, though, we drove for as long as we felt like it and stopped where it looked interesting. In reviewing the sketched-out itinerary that I put together before we left, it’s apparent that a lot of our “plans” were just “suggestions.”
Roswell, New Mexico
Our first of many unplanned stops was in Roswell, New Mexico. I didn’t know much about this city but, like probably many of you, I associated it with UFOs and aliens. With all the crazy conspiracy theories floating around today, the one surrounding an alleged UFO crash in 1947 and a subsequent military cover-up seems rather quant. (The googles has more information about the incident – that did or did not happen – if you care to go down that wormhole.)
Anyway, like any self-respecting business community, Roswell has fully embraced its unique distinction. While the extraterrestrial spacecraft and captured aliens may – or may not – have been just a figment of a wild imagination, little green men can be found everywhere on the streets of downtown Roswell.
Oklahoma City
A much darker reminder of the danger of unhinged conspiracy theories and disturbed thinking was found at our next stop.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the domestic terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. On April 19, 1995, 168 people, including 19 children, lost their lives because of hate. The Memorial symbolizes the turning away from hate and towards finding strength and hope in a wake of unspeakable violence.
I had no idea how impactful the Memorial would be. Just the day before we arrived, there was a ceremony commemorating the 29th anniversary of that terrible day. On the day we visited, the grounds were mostly deserted and peaceful, a place of quiet reflection.
At each end of the reflecting pond stands a large bronze-clad monument, the Gates of Time that, together, frame the moment of destruction. One, the 9:01 Gate, represents the moment before the attack. The other, the 9:03 Gate, symbolizes the moment healing began. Off to one side is the Field of Empty Chairs. Each of the 168 chairs is engraved with a victim’s name, underlining the magnitude of the loss.
We first visited the Memorial in the daylight. On the advice of a security guard, we returned that evening to see the displays beautifully illuminated.
I’ll end this post with the words engraved on each Gate. They are a reminder that violence arising from hate never solved anything. It’s up to all of us to choose the path we want to take going forward:
We come here to remember
Those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever.
May all who leave here know the impact of violence.
May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.
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Tears. So many contrasts as you drive across the country. This captured some good ones, as you said, from the silly to the solemn.
I am glad we took the time to visit the memorial. It was hard to fathom what happened, but we cannot forget.
This made real a horrific news story. But this time well documented with hope.
I really liked how they were able to capture not only the horror of what happened but also the hope for a better future.
What a fun picture of you and the Martian Janis and it looks like a great little town to visit – it might make you think twice about whether those little green men really did arrive in Roswell. The images of the reflecting pool and the chairs is very sad, especially the one memorial for the child you showed us. I remember the day it happened; we were appealing a case that just concluded in federal court and I was trying to reach the judge’s clerk or court reporter at the U.S. District Court at the Federal Building in Detroit to order trial transcripts … the phone rang off the hook and I thought it was strange since it was not a holiday. I had not heard the news and immediately after the explosion every federal court was closed.
It does look fun! And even more so, the fly (mandatory pun 🙃) by seat of your pants travel style. Because, you know, like the old saying goes “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.”
Glad to hear you’re living life, Janis 👽
We like to travel like this when we can. You never know what opportunities might present themselves just around the corner. Fortunately, by traveling in the shoulder seasons, booking hotel rooms the same day wasn’t a problem.
In the shadow of the last heat dome, I must ask: has the weather been good to you?
We were lucky to have made our trip in between tornados and heat domes. While we experienced a couple of heavy rainstorms, they didn’t impact our trip.
W should all be like this.
Unfortunately, there are more than a few dates – this bombing, the World Trade Center, and the insurrection at the Capitol, to name a few – that will live in our memories. I would like to think we have learned from the past, but I’m not so sure.
Yes, very true Janis and the horrific dates far outweigh the fun or frivolous dates like the Roswell invasion. Most people can usually tell you where they were when they heard of these significant sad dates. I know I can.
Sadly, I can too.
Quite a juxtaposition between silly aliens running amok all over town and the stark beauty within the Oklahoma memorial. I don’t think that I have ever fully seen the different aspects of the memorial before. I can imagine how profound the impact must be to stand within that area Janis. I can remember the day and the images still after almost 30 years. Thank you for sharing those pictures in this post.
Although I had seen pictures of the memorial before, it was impossible to understand the impact of actually being there. It truly felt like hallowed grounds.
From Silly to Solemn describes this post well, Janis. Roswell looks like a hoot. I haven’t been there, but can just imagine the fun. And the memorial in Oklahoma City looks beautiful, serene, and heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing both stops along your way.
I had no idea what to expect in Roswell before we got there, but it was fun to see the little green men everywhere. So different from what we saw in Oklahoma City.
Very moving close, Janis.
It would be impossible not to be affected by the memorial. It was very well done.
“We drove for as long as we felt like it and stopped where it looked interesting.” I appreciate your meandering spirit and “suggestions.” That sounds like the way to travel!
Cracks me up how much Roswell has leaned into their reputation. I’m sure it’s great for tourism.
I had no idea about the OK City memorial. Very nice of the security guard to tell you about the nighttime display. That does look really nice and cool.
Looking forward to reading about the next leg of your trip. 🙂
Roswell was pretty funny. I guess they have annual Roswell UFO Festival in early July (still time to make your plans!) that brings a lot of tourists to the area.
I also am glad that we were told about the memorial at night It was even more impactful than it was during the day.
Make my plans! Ha. No thanks. 🙂
That Memorial looks spectacular on a night, but how sad, the need for one. I did love your opening shot too. He looks kind of weary with it all, Janis.
I agree, Jo. I would be much happier if we didn’t need to construct these memorials anymore.
Alan and I visited the Oklahoma Memorial for the first time last fall. The outdoor tribute was so touching that we didn’t even enter the museum – I didn’t think I could handle the intensity. I wish we had thought to visit at night. Your photos are stunning, and the lighting highlights the loss of lives even more poignantly.
We didn’t get to the museum either. Just being at the site and reading the signs was almost too much for my heart to take. Did you see the Jesus Wept statue across the street? Another gut wrencher.
That does sound familiar, now that you’ve mentioned it. I’ll have to go back and check my photos.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is very moving especially for all of us who remember that day. It’s a very interesting and dramatic design, and if I was going to be in that area, I would definitely want to see it in person. Thank you for taking us with you and prayers for all the lives lost and the families left to grieve.
I read that they had over 600 designs from 23 countries submitted to the competition. I liked that this one not only spoke to the tragedy but also highlighted the need to come together in strength and hope.
Two things to love here. The ability of one community to laugh at themselves. And the ability of another to create such a beautiful and powerful memorial. Thanks for sharing both.
Yes, it was quite a juxtaposition between one and the other. Hopefully the future will give us plenty of opportunities to laugh and many fewer to weep.
Janis, I love your free-form style. Taking chances and appreciating whatever comes. I think that attitude often leads to more ‘authentic’ experiences. Beauful nighttime photos of the memorial.
It’s not always possible to do it but it was fun to travel this way. We had some interesting discoveries along the way that encouraged us to linger or prompted us to move along.
Powerful memorial. I especially love the empty chairs. Makes it all hit home. I remember that day well as it was the first (or at least one of the first) incidents of home grown terrorists. When I visited the Viet Nam memorial in Washington DC, I was moved to tears. I love that artists are getting more creative with memorials to bring out our emotions.
I remember that most people’s first thought was that it had to have been done by people outside of the country. I think it was quite a wake-up call once they realized that the perpetrators were American citizens.
I agree about the memorials. It’s almost impossible not to be moved to tears.
It was fun to see how Roswell has embraced its reputation! But very sobering to see the memorial to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. Humans have to do better. We’re allowed to get angry, we’re allowed to speak up for what we believe in, and we’re allowed to disagree with the status quo. But none of those things justify violence, in any form. When we give ourselves permission to become violent, we’re saying that our opinions matter more than other people’s lives and safety. And that is NEVER true! I live for the day when all of us, whatever our political/religious/whatever beliefs, figure this truth out…….
Beautifully said, Ann. I wish we could all live this way. I hope we never have to build yet another memorial to remember those who have lost their lives to acts of hate and violence.
You sure put together an itinerary and post that ran the gamut of emotions!
I was surprised by the flying saucer architecture of McDonald’s! That was a fun/silly stop. One we didn’t make on our Epic Road Trip.
How heartbreaking, and beautiful the Oklahoma memorial is! If I make it there I’d definitely put seeing this on my “must see” list.
That McDonalds was pretty elaborate. I love how they embraced to alien theme.
If you ever get close to Oklahoma City, I encourage you to stop. The city itself is very nice and the memorial is definitely worth a visit, especially at night.
What a beautiful memorial. Looks like a definite must for a visit.
If you are ever in the area, I hope you can visit. It’s sadly beautiful and so impactful.
We also went to Roswell impromptu on one of our long road trips. So campy and fun. It looks like they have a few more martians in town! I have never been to Oklahoma City, or even seen pictures of the memorial. Thank you for sharing them here. Very moving.
I had no idea what to expect in Roswell, but we enjoyed wondering around that evening.
This was our first time in Oklahoma City too. It impressed us as being both pretty and friendly. It’s hard to imagine what they experienced on that day 29 years ago.
Your title definitely describes the differences. The memorial at night was worth the extra time as the chairs lit up seems to have more impact.
The lights that come on at dusk completely change the look of the memorial. I’m so glad that we knew to come back and see it for ourselves.
I have never seen anything about the Oklahoma bombing memorial before. It looks very moving indeed, whoever designed it put their heart into it. As for the little green men – Roswell seems to be milking that for all it is worth!
I remember reading about the memorial when the winning design was announced and the work on it began. When we saw it for ourselves nothing prepared us for the impact we felt.
And, you are right about Roswell, there were little green men everywhere. 🙂
I was still chuckling over your picture with the alien when I scrolled to the OKC notes. Big lump in my throat. I grew up in OKC and lived and worked there most of my life. My office building, 5 miles from downtown, shuddered when that bomb went off. I’ll never forget that day and the days that followed.
What an experience to go through. The whole city must have been in shock. Oklahoma City impressed me as a really nice place to live and work. It’s hard to imagine what that terrible event did to everyone’s sense of safety and security. Even those of us who didn’t live there felt a loss of innocence… that something like that could happen anywhere.
I think in one of my posts I referred to it as “the end of innocence” in OKC.
Roswell is interesting. My husband attended the military institute there. There’s a nice wildlife refuge and a privately owned art museum that I found quite impressive.
I did not make it to the memorial when I went to Oklahoma City a couple years ago. Sad that I missed it! Should have found the time.
Unfortunately, we only had an evening and the next morning to explore Roswell. I know it is more than aliens and spaceships. 🙂 I would have loved to have had time to visit the art museum.
I’ve not been to either of these places. I’m glad you took us along, but admit that the NM silliness is easier to comprehend than the OK solemnity. What a country!
Yes, the contrast was jarring. There were a few eye-opening moments as we traveled across the country.
I just had a friend return from Roswell and he’s an alien nut, so naturally, he had a blast. I would love to see Roswell myself someday! I’m convinced it happened. The truth is out there.
Somber though it is, the OK City memorial is absolutely beautiful…especially at night. Thank you for sharing these fantastic pics.
We only had one evening in Roswell since we left the next morning so all we saw was on one stretch of the main downtown street. I’m sure your friend was able to take in a lot more. I’m hope if the truth is out there, that you’ll uncover it and write a post about it. 🙂
Hopefully NOT after being anally probed though!
Hopefully not but it would make for an interesting post…
Your photos of the memorial in Oklahoma City are beautiful and haunting. Those empty chairs…
I was quite an impactful experience. Seeing the chairs decorated by friends and family members underlined the ongoing pain and loss that is still felt.
Your Oklahoma City shots of the memorial are so moving. They make me feel there, which is what a good picture should do. Good on you for going there and supporting a worthy national place of remembrance. Choose the correct path indeed. Well done, you two. Oh, and careful around aliens too! – Marty
It’s hard to imagine that anyone could think that terrible act of violence would resolve anything. Unfortunately, that is a path that continues to be taken by some.
Happily, the aliens we encountered seemed to be harmless.
I haven’t seen the OK memorial in person or online. Very moving. Thanks for sharing.
If you ever get a chance to visit, I encourage you to go.
You captured the memorial’s distinct sadness so well. I can imagine how it’d feel to stand there at night with all those empty chairs lit and the flutter of spirits in the breeze. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.
After seeing the memorial during the day, it was hard to imagine it being even more impactful at night, but it was. I love your image of a “flutter of spirits.” That’s exactly how it felt.
I enjoyed our brief time in Roswell, but I’d like to see the OK City memorial one day. It looks beautifully done.
Roswell was a fun place to stop for the night and wonder around. If you get a chance to visit Oklahoma City, the Memorial is a must-see.
Great name for this post, Janis. I loved both parts! I love all the aliens waving. So fun. Your picture is super fun, too! The rest is a solemn reminder, that unfortunately has not been heeded in the years since. Great post!
You are so right, Marsha. Somehow, despite the violence not accomplishing anything thing other than bringing unimaginable loss and sadness, it keeps happening.
We have gone far away from any absolute right or wrong, so at some point, those things probably won’t be wrong. I hope I won’t live to see those days.
Talk about two very different “attractions!” We’ve passed through (and stopped in Roswell) before on our way to the dunes in New Mexico, but the monument in Oklahoma City has only captivated me virtually. I really would like to stop there and let the past settle in. It looks very powerful, meaningful, and reflective. One day…
I would be not at all surprised, Liesbet, if you made it to Oklahoma City one day. There is so much to see in this country after you return from South America. 🙂
True. But, the thing is that we likely won’t be returning to the US after South America. Maybe one day… 🙂
Hi Janis, Your recent posts have inspired Chuck and I to think/plan a road trip. You and Paul have a great vibe about trying to stay flexible. Like you say well, plans were suggestions. Flash back about the UFO potential cover up. We don’t hear much about this nowadays (I know I sound ‘old’ when I say ‘nowadays’) Your photo with the little green man made me smile!😊And, yes, exceptionally sad re Oklahoma City. You captured some amazing, creative, photos. And, yes, the chairs of the children…heartbreaking. Paying homage with your photos and words describing the memorial…a beautiful, poignant post, Janis. xo 💕 Erica
Hey, Erica! It’s good to “see” you here. 🙂 We love road trips and like giving ourselves a lot of flexibility. I hope you and Chuck have some fun plans for your own adventure.
You are right about the dearth of UFO sightings lately. Perhaps what’s happening here on Earth is so weird and hard to believe that a few little green men would hardly make headline news.
When my son had an internship at Los Alamos, I drove with him from Virginia to Santa Fe. We stopped at the Oklahoma City memorial. The sight of those se little chairs still brings me to tears.
Hi Shelley… welcome back from France! Although I sort of knew what to expect at the memorial, the pictures I had seen didn’t prepare me for the impact of seeing it in person.
Roswell sounds splendidly silly, but I got chills reading your words and viewing the pictures at the Memorial. I’m struggling with the state of the UK currently, but at least I can express gratitude that this isn’t something we have to deal with as often as you do.
I could have sworn that I had replied to your comment earlier… but apparently, I didn’t.
Rosewell was pretty silly, but then I also like to visit weird roadside attractions along US highways and byways. Who wouldn’t want to see the world’s largest ball of string?
The Oklahoma Memorial was a real gut-punch. It’s hard to fathom how someone could be so delusional and hold so much hate in their heart.
An interesting juxtaposition of topics here, nicely woven together. I’ve avoided Roswell, though I’ve been close enough that the typical tourist junk inhabited shelves of stores along the way.
Have never been to OC. That memorial would be a fine reason to visit. Nice images, Janis.
I don’t think I would have gone out of my way to visit Roswell, but it was along the cut-off we took from Las Cruces to I-40 (which also took us by White Sands NP).
Oklahoma City was really nice and worth a stop if you ever get close.