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Katrina Makes Landfall President Bush says Hurricane Katrina showed that federal, state, and local officials were unprepared to respond to such a disaster. He says the floodwaters also exposed deep-seated poverty that has cut people off from opportunity. So following the storm, he says he made a simple pledge. "The federal government would learn the lessons of Katrina, we would do what it takes, and we would stay as long as it takes, to help our brothers and sisters build a new Gulf Coast where every citizen feels part of the great promise of America," he said. Katrina-Damaged House in New OrleansThe Bush administration was widely criticized for its slow response to the killer storm which claimed more than one thousand lives and left 80 percent of the city of New Orleans under water.
In the Democratic radio address, Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu said rebuilding in many communities is only now just beginning and as long as tens of thousands of families cannot return home, the recovery, she says, remains incomplete. "Countless neighborhoods appear as if the hurricanes were just yesterday, and they serve as harsh reminders of how our nation was so unprepared," she said. "Unfortunately, our nation in many ways remains unprepared for major disasters, whether they be hurricanes, earthquakes or terrorist attacks." Following a review of the government's response to Katrina, President Bush says officials are making reforms that will improve responses to future emergencies. There is $110 billion committed to helping with the recovery - money that Mr. Bush says must be used to reflect the needs, vision, and aspirations of the people of Mississippi and Louisiana. "This work will require the sustained commitment of our government, the generosity and compassion of the American people, and the talent and vision of people determined to restore their homes, neighborhoods, and cities," he said. "We will stay until the job is done, and by working together, we will help our fellow citizens along the Gulf Coast write a new future of hope, justice, and opportunity for all." The president and Mrs. Bush return to the Gulf Coast in the coming week to meet with community leaders in Mississippi and Louisiana and attend a commemorative service at New Orleans' St. Louis Cathedral. Related Articles: ** National
Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina The White House National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Hurricane Katrina brought many days of struggle and sorrow; yet, we also witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and kindness. Rescue workers, other first responders, and concerned citizens from around the country risked their lives to save others and performed heroically under the most difficult of circumstances. Many were victims themselves, acting on a sense of duty greater than their own suffering. Men, women, and children across America rallied to help their neighbors in desperate need, providing food, water, shelter, and hope to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Those days tested our Nation, and they revealed a resilience more powerful than any storm. Millions of lives were changed in a day by that cruel and destructive storm. America accepted the challenge to restore broken communities and disrupted lives not as a burden, but as our responsibility to help our fellow citizens. Victims and volunteers continue to demonstrate a spirit that cannot be broken a core of strength that survives all hurt, a faith in God that no storm can take away, and an unyielding determination to clear the wreckage and build anew. In the past year, Federal, State, and local governments have worked to enhance our Nation's ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The Federal Government has conducted an extensive review of preparedness and response efforts, and actions are being taken at every level to improve communications and coordination and strengthen emergency response capabilities. The American people can know that our government is working hard to be prepared to protect life and property should we face another such challenge. In the life of our Nation, we have often been reminded that nature is an awesome force, and that all life is fragile. However, Americans have always summoned the will and compassion to persevere and rebuild. Guided by our enduring American spirit, we know that a bright new dawn will rise over the great city of New Orleans, and the entire Gulf Coast region will reemerge stronger and more vibrant than ever. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 29, 2006, as a National Day of Remembrance of Hurricane Katrina. I call upon State and local governments, places of worship, and all Americans to mark this day with services and appropriate observances. I also encourage all Americans to remember and support the continued effort to rebuild our Nation's great Gulf Coast. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GEORGE W. BUSH |
