[StBernard] Governor Blanco, Bobby The Cajun Cannon Hebert to open display of fans thank yous to Saints

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco, Bobby "The Cajun Cannon" Hebert to open display of fans' thank yous to Saints

Canal Place exhibit will feature hundreds of personal notes to Louisiana's team

BATON ROUGE - What do you say to the NFL team that has lifted the spirits of thousands of people experiencing the greatest recovery effort in U.S. history? New Orleans Louisiana Saints fans are saying, "Thank you." A display of heartfelt messages to the team will be unveiled by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Bobby "The Cajun Cannon" Hebert Wednesday in New Orleans.

The former Saints quarterback and Thibodaux-native will join Gov. Blanco at noon on the third floor of The Shops at Canal Place (333 Canal Street) Wednesday to open an exhibit of hundreds of personal messages written by Saints fans around the world through the Governor's "Thank the Saints" initiative. The grassroots campaign enables fans to express their personal appreciation for the team's heart and determination 

"For Louisiana, this is about much more than football," Governor Blanco said. "It's about the journey our state shares. The Saints were homeless and faced monumental challenges after two major hurricanes---but they returned home determined to succeed. On the field, this team lifts our spirits each and every week. Off the field, the entire Saints organization is helping our communities recover. We are so grateful for what they have given us." 

More than 600 messages from around the world have been received in just four days through the Governor's initiative. During the Saints' final regular season game, Gov. Blanco issued official statements of appreciation to each individual player, coach and member of the Saints organization for their heart, determination, generosity and commitment to the state and its people.

Hebert and Gov. Blanco will add their personal messages to the display that will include personal messages from public figures. Notable Saints fans participating in the "Thank the Saints" initiative include Louisianans: music legend Harry Connick, Jr; news correspondent Cokie Roberts; James Carville; former U.S. Senator John Breaux; Senator Mary Landrieu; Congressman Charlie Melancon; Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu; LSU head football coach Les Miles; and fitness legend Richard Simmons. "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts, a native of Pass Christian, Miss. also submitted a personal thank you. 

Fans can submit their own messages online through Gov. Blanco's official site: www.gov.state.la.us <http://www.gov.state.la.us> .

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People
www.louisianahelp.org