New Orleans plans low-key Hurricane Katrina anniversary

07:26 AM CDT on Monday, July 28, 2008

Associated Press


NEW ORLEANS – Mayor Ray Nagin plans to mark the third anniversary of
Hurricane Katrina with a low-key bell-ringing at the time of the first
levee breach and, later in the day, a candlelight vigil at Jackson
Square.

There will be other events, but city officials will focus on these two,
Nagin spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett said.

Memorials on the first anniversary of the Aug. 29, 2005, storm included
somber services and a jazz funeral procession from the convention center
to the Louisiana Superdome – two sites of suffering after Katrina.
Last year, there were tearful remembrances and angry protests when
President Bush visited.

Mr. Nagin said he doesn't want to overdo it this year. However, he said
the city would invite presidential candidates Barack Obama and John
McCain, congressional representatives and celebrities he didn't
identify.

The bell-ringing "is about the sadness of the event," Mr. Nagin said,
"but the afternoon is kind of like, 'We got through it, celebrate our
recovery and let's point to the future.' And that's how I kind of see
the day going."

Ms. Quiett said the Jackson Square vigil is meant to remind people of
the promise President Bush made in his September 2005 address: to do
what it takes to help hurricane-affected citizens rebuild their
communities and lives.

While vast portions of some neighborhoods remain ashambles, dotted by
empty damaged properties and lots overgrown with weeds, other areas have
rebounded. The city, for example, claims a long list of infrastructure
projects planned or under way, and unemployment is low. The vital
tourism industry also has had a strong year.

Key challenges remain, however, including a crime wave and a lack of
affordable housing and health care.

The Associated Press

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