‘Cautious Optimism’ Ushers In New Year in Oklahoma City

‘Everybody has good and bad times. I’m very optimistic about 2026 because I want world peace. Of course, who doesn’t?’ one resident said.

Logan Shelby from Fort Smith, Ark., stands before the Reflecting Pool at the Oklahoma City Memorial on Dec. 20, 2025. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times

OKLAHOMA CITY—The Oklahoma City National Memorial stands on the site of a tragic event 30 years ago, and Logan Shelby felt it was the right place to be.

“Coming out here makes you just want to sit down for a minute,” he said, gazing at the Reflecting Pool and the field of 168 empty bronze chairs, each one commemorating a victim of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.