The last note of Ernestine Dillard’s rendition of the national anthem hung in the hair, reverberating around Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Almost 25 years ago, she had been called upon to sing God Bless America in an internationally televised prayer service at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, days after the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing.
On Tuesday night, she stepped onto the court to sing the Star-Spangled Banner with family members representing each of the 168 people killed in the bombing standing behind her.
Before the Thunder’s game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, the team held an on-court ceremony honoring the people killed in the bombing 25 years ago.