OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Today, we are remembering the 168 lives lost during the Oklahoma City bombing.

27 years ago, on April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh parked a van filled with explosives outside of the Alfred P. Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City. It exploded at 9:01 a.m., sending a blast felt miles away.

Earlier this morning, families of the fallen, survivors, city and state leaders took part in the memorial ceremony.

After 168 seconds of silence passed, the victims’ names were read aloud.

One of those victims was Shelley Bland. She was just 25-years-old at the time of the bombing, and family members say she was a strong and loving mother. Bland’s family members say they hold on to precious memories of their mother, including Jordan Turner, who was just four when her mother died.

Bland’s sister, Kimberly Kuhlman, says it’s important to share those memories.

“Even if it’s something like a song on the radio, I say, ‘oh, your mom used to like this!’” said Kuhlman.

Bland’s family says they want her and the other victims’ legacies to continue.

“We just don’t want people to forget that they’re important they matter what. They are humans with lives not just victims,” said Kuhlman.

The Run to Remember will take place this weekend.

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