Home
Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom. Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.

Hurricane Katrina - Two Years Later

  1. August 1, 2007
  2. Katrina Anniversary
  3. By Michael Grunwald
  4. source: http://www.time.com/
Becky Zaheri 5 of 11 << Previous | Next >>

A group of revelers walk down Bourbon Street on Lundi Gras February 19, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana. - Chris Graythen/Getty
For New Orleans to thrive, we need for you to care. Our citizens need to see your smiling faces, and our economy needs your business. The tourist areas have returned to their former glory, so come visit, and experience our city's unmatched flavor for vitality. When you return home, spread the word that our city is indeed alive and kicking.

The situation in New Orleans is really one of relativity. There is no quick fix for such massive devastation, and no model for a recovery of this magnitude. As a result, some of the hardest hit areas of our city are still uninhabited.
Be that as it may, the citizens who currently reside in New Orleans, and who have endured Katrina's aftermath, see nothing but progress. Two years ago, every inch of New Orleans was blanketed with trash and debris, and in some cases, homes were actually strewn about the streets. There was no electricity or running water, and our city was virtually dead. However, now the path is cleared, the lights are on, the grass is green, the birds are chirping, and many a nail is being hammered. I can say unequivocally, "We have come a long way!"

New Orleanians certainly appreciate the challenges ahead, but this city runs through our blood, and we remain passionately dedicated to its renaissance. We are here because we believe, and now more than ever, we are truly proud to call New Orleans home.

Becky Zaheri is a native New Orleanian, and stay at home mom, who founded the Katrina Krewe, which mobilized over 10,000 local, national and international volunteers to remove over 250,000 tons of trash and debris from the streets of New Orleans post Katrina, and the Krewe continues to foster anti litter awareness via its "Keep it Klean!" campaign.

5 of 11 << Previous | Next >>

Next: Harry Shearer >>

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Save Our Wetlands Inc.(SOWL) has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is Save Our Wetlands Inc.(SOWL) endorsed or sponsored by the originator. For more information go to:www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.