Obama commemorates Oklahoma City bombing

President Obama is paying tribute to the victims and survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, saying the nation will never forget those who lost their lives in that attack 20 years ago.

"If those murderers hoped to terrorize the American people that day, to break our spirits or shatter the bonds that unite us, then they completely and utterly failed," Obama said in a statement issued late Sunday.

"We will be forever grateful to the first responders who risked their lives to save others, the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who brought the perpetrators to justice, and the ordinary men and women who set an 'Oklahoma standard' for resilience that we still hold today," Obama said.

The bombing occurred on April 19, 1995.

"It is with heavy hearts that Michelle and I send our condolences to the families of those we lost 20 years ago," the president said. "And it is with great pride that we send our deepest gratitude to all those who have served as an example of America at its best."