Louisiana Gov. Landry honors Katrina victims at memorial service

ST. BERNARD PARISH (Louisiana First) — Governor Jeff Landry attended a memorial service to mark the state’s resilience in the face of Katrina.

Landry, along with Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Phillip Devillier, attended a memorial mass in St. Bernard Parish near New Orleans at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church.

“We come together to thank God for the rebuilding after Katrina, and in a very special way, to remember those whose lives have been taken, and also for their families, friends, and all those who suffered the great cross of Katrina,” said Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the City of New Orleans.

Landry said he’s remembering the more than 1,800 lives lost, the hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents displaced, and widespread destruction to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks.

He said, “August 29, 2005, a day that forever changed the state of Louisiana, and a date we vow to never forget. Twenty years later, we remember, and we continue to build back our state to be better than ever before. The people of Louisiana endured unimaginable hardship, yet displayed unmatched courage, compassion, and unbreakable resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.  The response and support shown by people across Louisiana and the United States should never be forgotten,” Landry said in a statement.

Dauda Sesay with the Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants said he’s planning an event to mark the twenty years since Katrina as well.

“Part of it is just bringing communities together, and hearing from the experience of individuals who were impacted by Katrina – to just remember the day,” Sesay said.

Community leaders said they’ll also observe the day by going over disaster preparedness and training.

The flooding caused by Katrina, and the breaking of the levee between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, put at least 80% of New Orleans underwater at one point.

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