Katrina 1 year later - Celebrate Life event schedule in Waveland today

Posted with permission from author. Over the next few days, i’ll look for photos online to link to.

To all those who have helped:

We know that we will never be able to remember or to thank all those who came to our aid after Katrina. Some gave gifts of food, water, ice, clothing, gift cards, tools, computers, appliances, fire trucks, police cars, utility vans, buses and a myriad of other things to help us through those early days. Some traveled for days in trucks filled with supplies. Others delivered washers and dryers so that we could do our laundry. Some came and set up emergency facilities to feed, cloth and provide medical aid to people very much in need.

Some came and dropped off things, others stayed for weeks and months, and others still are here. Some knew to come right away and others knew we would need sustained help. Hundreds of volunteers have donated thousands of hours helping people gut out their homes, pick up debris, and paint. And they listened and gave hugs freely as they helped people begin to pull their lives together.

As we continue to Rebuild Waveland, we could never say THANK YOU, in a big enough way. We know that many of you came because of your faith and others just because they saw people in need and could not turn away. Your kindnesses were unbelievable!

As we approach the one year anniversary of the day that Katrina changed all our lives, we are reminded of the trials we have endured and count our blessings. You have been there beside us. You have given us much hope and help.

We were planning to spend the day pretty quietly, but as events unfolded and continued gifts came our way, we have a very busy day planned. We invite all of you to be here to spend the day with us. If you can’t be here physically, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as we remember those who came to help.

Schedule for “Celebrate Life” in Waveland, Mississippi, Tuesday, August 29, 2006:

8:00 a.m. Ecumenical Prayer Service on the Beach at Coleman Avenue
9:00 a.m. Moment of Silence as we remember those who lost their lives in Katrina.
9:01 a.m. Hancock County Bells Ring – to signify a “New Birth.”

4:00 p.m. Parade down Coleman Avenue to honor Volunteers and Contributors
5:00 p.m. Dedication of Katrina Memorial on the Beach at Coleman Avenue
Acceptance of Gift for Rebuilding City Hall
5:30 p.m. Live Music on the Beach, Tailgate Party
Special “Tribute to Waveland” Appearance by Colin Raye
Followed by Heather and the Monkey King
Bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and beach blankets.

Please join us, if you can.

Mayor Tommy Longo
City of Waveland, 335 Coleman Avenue, Waveland, MS 228-467-4134