Memorials Honor Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Five years ago, Hurricane Katrina, one of the costliest and deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history, devastated the lives of thousands of people on the Gulf Coast. Families gathered on Sunday, August 29, 2010 to remember loved ones lost and put the past behind them, as abandoned homes in their neighborhoods still bear the spray-painted symbols that indicate the number dead rescuers found within them.
Memorial ceremonies that took place during the weekend included the holding of banners at the Industrial Canal wall that bore the names of those who lost their lives, public commemorations, healing ceremonies, parades with marching bands and a memorial speech given by President Obama at the Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans.
In other areas of Louisiana, symbolic funerals were held at churches. The services featured “Katrina caskets” where individuals could place mementos and notes addressed to the victims in them. In an interview with the Associated Press (AP), funeral director Floyd W. Herty, Jr. stated, “I’ve been a funeral director all my adult life, and I know the power the service has to let people begin healing.”
However, not all grieve in the same manner. Barbara Washington lost her New Orleans home in the massive flooding, told the AP, “I’m tired of the anniversaries. I miss my home every day. I feel lost. But I also know we are getting back. We’re survivors.”
While it can be healing to celebrate the anniversaries of events such as Hurricane Katrina, it is also important to incorporate loved ones into traditions throughout the year. You can also memorialize the departed all-year-round with a free online memorial or a free online memorial album. The process to create an online memorial or album is simple and user-friendly. Additionally, personalize the memorial page with one of the many available templates, which include different Armed Services and public servant templates. Browse memorials others have made.
Learn more about making your own memorial.
[photo: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary]
Tags: hurricane katrina, memorial
