August 29, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina makes landfall, the levees in New Orleans break, and one of the most deadly natural disasters leaves its mark on Louisiana.
September 24, 2005 - Hurricane Rita makes landfall, severe winds, and excessive flooding impact southern states, and Louisiana is once again in a state of disaster.
Hurricane Katrina had an eye that stretched over 25 miles wide, while Hurricane Rita had winds reaching speeds of 175 miles per hour. Katrina caused four tornadoes to form across Alabama, and Rita left over 175,000 people without power.
Two hurricanes devastated Louisiana within four weeks.
We lost friends and family members. We lost schools and businesses. We lost vehicles and roadways. We lost family photos. We lost communities. We lost our homes.What did these violent forces of nature leave us with?
HOPE FOR A CHANCE TO REBUILD.
UNITY AMONG STRANGERS.
RESPECT FOR MOTHER NATURE.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR HOME.
INSPIRATIONAL STORIES OF STRENGTH.
COMMUNITY.
APPRECIATION OF GOD'S MERCY.
NATIONAL SUPPORT.
EMPATHY FOR ONE ANOTHER.
While the hurricanes of 2005 took a massive toll on the state of Louisiana, they did not take our state pride.
WE REBUILT NEW ORLEANS.
OUR NEW ORLEANS SAINTS WON THE SUPER BOWL.
OUR LSU TIGERS WON THE 2007 NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
WE GOT OUR STATE BACK.