2008 Woodie Awards
One year and counting
Anniversary marked with vigils; no clear rebuilding proposal
Matt Piechalak
Issue date: 9/4/06 Section: News
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Media Credit: Photo courtesy APIn New Orleans and across the nation, people gathered to pay homage to those lost in Hurricane Katrina's fury one year ago.
Last Tuesday marked the one-year 'anniversary' since Hurricane Katrina surged through and devastated the greater New Orleans area. Yet, unlike most anniversaries, there were no celebrations; it was solely a day of commemoration. And as residents of the broken city gathered in remembrance, the plans for rebuilding 'The Big Easy' remained vague.
On August 29, all over the city, current and former residents held public and private vigils for lost loved ones. At the sites of the still broken levees, people tossed wreaths of flowers into the murky water. For most, it was a chance to find peace with the tragedy of Katrina, one of the worst national disasters in U.S. history that killed more than 1,800 people. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, most residents felt a responsibility to attend the formal anniversary. "I felt like I needed to be here. It's like a funeral," said Gayla Dunn.
As a second year begins in the post-Katrina era, the once marvelous city still remains crumbled and decayed. Less than half of businesses are fully operational, hospitals are short on supplies, and around three-fifths of the housing stock remains a bust. And a June population census has the city at around 210,000-less than half of what it once was. President Bush, who spoke at a prayer service in the 285-year old St. Louis Cathedral, called for residents to rise up.
"New Orleans needs you, she needs people coming home. She needs those saints to coming marching back," said Bush.
Despite the President's referential and patriotic heed for rebuilding, many evacuees remain lost-some unemployed, some homeless and some suffering severe health problems.
According to a report published in Newsweek, nearly half of the 15,000 evacuees still in San Antonio have a family member suffering from a chronic medial condition. In Atlanta, more than 80 percent of the evacuees remain without a viable plan to return to a city sunken below sea level. And in Baton Rouge, many of the 25,000 to 50,000 evacuees are uninsured and currently living in FEMA-provided trailer villages.
Criticism of the government's preparation and response to the disaster has continued through the aftermath. And although the Bush Administration has sought $105 billion for repairs and reconstruction to the area, it does not account for damage to the economy, the environmental effects, or the heavy increase in violent crime.
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On August 29, all over the city, current and former residents held public and private vigils for lost loved ones. At the sites of the still broken levees, people tossed wreaths of flowers into the murky water. For most, it was a chance to find peace with the tragedy of Katrina, one of the worst national disasters in U.S. history that killed more than 1,800 people. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, most residents felt a responsibility to attend the formal anniversary. "I felt like I needed to be here. It's like a funeral," said Gayla Dunn.
As a second year begins in the post-Katrina era, the once marvelous city still remains crumbled and decayed. Less than half of businesses are fully operational, hospitals are short on supplies, and around three-fifths of the housing stock remains a bust. And a June population census has the city at around 210,000-less than half of what it once was. President Bush, who spoke at a prayer service in the 285-year old St. Louis Cathedral, called for residents to rise up.
"New Orleans needs you, she needs people coming home. She needs those saints to coming marching back," said Bush.
Despite the President's referential and patriotic heed for rebuilding, many evacuees remain lost-some unemployed, some homeless and some suffering severe health problems.
According to a report published in Newsweek, nearly half of the 15,000 evacuees still in San Antonio have a family member suffering from a chronic medial condition. In Atlanta, more than 80 percent of the evacuees remain without a viable plan to return to a city sunken below sea level. And in Baton Rouge, many of the 25,000 to 50,000 evacuees are uninsured and currently living in FEMA-provided trailer villages.
Criticism of the government's preparation and response to the disaster has continued through the aftermath. And although the Bush Administration has sought $105 billion for repairs and reconstruction to the area, it does not account for damage to the economy, the environmental effects, or the heavy increase in violent crime.
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