[StBernard] Permanent Monument

[Westley Annis]

Who chose the Shell Beach location for the memorial?  I was thinking that
place was chosen because the MRGO is the reason this happened to us so it
was to serve as a reminder to everyone using the MRGO.  I hope they close
it.

Laurie


>While I think the thought of having a cross erected in memory of the 

>victims is wonderful, and we should have some place for a memorial to 

>those who perished, first responders and the survivors, I do not think 

>the chosen location is the right place.  I have doubts of how permanent 

>this location will be once the next hurricane comes along.

>

>It is wonderful that the businesses who contributed to this memorial 

>have given us something to have in time for our first anniversary of 

>this significant date in St. Bernard history.  However, I feel a more 

>permanent, memorial or monument should be constructed in a place with 

>better access by the family of victims and residents.  I would like to 

>suggest to the decision makers that they consider an ever better 

>memorial such as the one being designed for 9/11 or the one in Oklahoma 

>City.  This should be in a place where visitors to the area will never

forget what happened in St.

>Bernard Parish on 8/29/05.  It should be something that honors the 

>victims, first responders from near and far as well as those who have 

>given so much to assist in the rebuilding.

>

>My personal suggestion would be to have it constructed on or near the 

>Battlefield.  As the bulk of the visitors to St. Bernard Parish usually 

>come to the Battlefield, it would have the most visibility and be in a 

>prominent place for all to see.  In this location, it could also be a 

>reminder to all ships coming and going on the Mississippi.  We need to 

>be sure America never forgets.

>

>Whereas those who are still in St. Bernard and those who have left St.

>Bernard cannot agree on everything, I think it would be a tribute to 

>all if everyone came together as a team to make this memorial a 

>reality.  It could be built from those old rusty pennies you found in 

>the house or a brand new dollar bill you just got from the bank.  I 

>think with a fund set up and all size donations accepted, we could 

>leave the parish with something that will be there for future generations

for years to come.

>

>Kathy