Katrina Remembrance: First Louisiana Historic Plaque Unveiled

August 23, 2010.  (click image to embiggen.) From Levees.org:

Under a blazing sun, Levees.org unveiled its first Louisiana State Historic Plaque at Ground Zero of the 17th Street Canal levee breach in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans.
The informational plaque is adorned with the beloved state bird, the brown pelican, and to the delight of the audience today, a lone pelican alighted atop the floodwall directly behind the new plaque.
The ceremony began with piper Marta Vincent who played “Amazing Grace.”
Sandy Rosenthal founder of Levees.org spoke a few words before unveiling the plaque. Everyone read the words aloud together. It was an emotional moment.
Many elected officials attended the solemn event including New Orleans City Council President Arnie Fielkow, and Vice President Jackie Brechtel Clarkson and City Councilwoman Susan Guidry. Mayor Mitch Landrieu sent one of his senior advisors, Scott Hutcheson to say a few words on behalf of the Mayor. Also present was Representative Nick Lorusso.
Actor Harry Shearer, director of The Big Uneasy joined the Ceremony and spoke a few words.
The ceremony closed with the trumpet music of 17 year old Doyle Cooper who performed a beautiful rendition of “A closer walk with thee.”
This is the first of many. Levees.org will hold fundraisers to raise the money for plaques at other breach sites in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.

The countdown is 6 days to the 5th anniversary of the levee failures that flooded New Orleans. Please keep those who died, those left behind, and those who still haven't been able to return home, in prayer.

More later.

*