Stories From Around The State by Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR, Ret.
Simple Bench Makes Big Statement
An engraved, black granite bench was dedicated at the Cleveland County Courthouse in Norman on April 18 – but not an ordinary sitting bench
– this one had a purpose: celebrate the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and to thank America’s founding fathers and determined patriots who sacrificed much from 1775-1783 to win the War of Independence. The bench was designed and completed by Ralph Stevenson, Jr., a member of the Norman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR),which donated it.
Members of Norman’s SAR, including Stevenson, State Society SAR President, Henry Baer, and Norman Chapter President, Tony Eastmond, spoke on the significance of the Declaration of Independence at the bench’s dedication.
Seventeen-year-old Natalie Boone eloquently explained each of our Constitutional Rights.
Stevenson said a bench was chosen over other possible items because, “it’s more lasting…” and at 2,200 pounds, “it’s not gonna blow away and it’s permanent.” Asked what he hoped future residents would think of when looking at the bench, he replied, “I just hope it’s a permanent memorial to our ancestors…that sacrificed so much to make the United States.”
Randy Hooper, owner of the Hooper Printing Company who printed the program, attended. He is a descendant of William Hooper, a Congressman from North Carolina, who signed the Declaration of Independence.
About 60 people attended, including Norman’s SAR, 45th Infantry Living Historians, Daughters of the American Revolution and American Legion Post 88.
Contributions for the bench came from 28 individuals and 11 companies or associations. bench, he replied, “I just hope it’s a permanent memorial to our ancestors…that sacrificed so much to make the United States.”
Randy Hooper, owner of the Hooper Printing Company who printed the program, attended. He is a descendant of William Hooper, a Congressman from North Carolina, who signed the Declaration of Independence.
About 60 people attended, including Norman’s SAR, 45th Infantry Living Historians, Daughters of the American Revolution and American Legion Post 88.
Contributions for the bench came from 28 individuals and 11 companies or associations.
9/11 Steel Beam Traveling for USA 250
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is displaying a steel beam from the south tower of the former World Trade Center on its
“Steel Across America” tour to 30 cities across America from May to September. The beam and a mobile museum came to Oklahoma City on June 12.
Jack Kielty, a retired NYC Firefighter, told Brianna Brown of OKC Channel 9, “This is the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 (in 2026)…This beam from the south tower of the World Trade Center Center is to commemorate the 25th anniversary and to us in New York City…this is a sacred relic…We feel duty bound to take this around the country and let Americans come and touch this piece of history…So proud to stand here and share stories of Oklahoma City and New York City.”
Kielty gave Major Holt a plaque. A mobile museum tells the story of the attack and response and displays artifacts like fire fighter equipment and uniforms.
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation website lists the exhibit’s schedule. Visit: www.t2t.org
