Time to look ahead

Our View

Published on Sunday, August 29, 2010 12:22 AM CDT

Print this story | Email this story | Post A Comment |

Five years. For some people, five years ago today seemed to have happened yesterday. They still see the rising waters, and still have that empty feeling of losing everything to nature’s wrath. For others five years has been a real blessing. They have seen themselves get stronger, wiser and more resilient.

This parish has gone through an amazing change since Hurricane Katrina tore apart homes and lives five years ago. More people are living here. Even after the first boom of building and refurbishing our towns and lives, St. Tammany is still seeing the fruits of a good economy. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state; billion dollar companies have set up shop here, and even oil spills have not put a damper on our wonderful quality of life.

Friday morning in Slidell, city fathers dedicated a beautiful memorial site to Katrina. Mayor Freddy Drennan said the event was bittersweet, but with more sweet than bitter. He said it was now time to look forward. We agree. We cannot predict the future, We will always be under the shadow of hurricanes. But that doesn’t stop us. Katrina has shown us how strong and resilient we are as a community. The storm showed us how important the concept of community is to our survival and wellbeing. It is time to look ahead, move forward, and be strong.

Print this story | Email this story | Post A Comment |

Comments

No comments posted.

WRITE A COMMENT

Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The St. Tammany News is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in thesttammanynews.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the St. Tammany News. The St. Tammany News does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized St. Tammany News spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.