[StBernard] Governor Blanco declares "New Orleans Louisiana Saints Black and Gold Weekend" as Saints go marching

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco declares "New Orleans Louisiana Saints Black and Gold Weekend" as Saints go marching into Chicago 

BATON ROUGE - The Bayou State is getting decked out in black and gold as the New Orleans Louisiana Saints march toward the Windy City and a possible Super Bowl berth. Today, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco proclaimed Friday, January 18 - Sunday January 21 "New Orleans Louisiana Saints Black and Gold Weekend" throughout Louisiana and urged fans to display and wear the Saints' colors in support of the team.

"Louisiana is a state of believers. Throughout this magical season, we have always believed in the talent and heart of Louisiana's team, our New Orleans Louisiana Saints," Governor Blanco said. "This week the team will play the biggest game in franchise history and Louisiana is coming together to offer prayers and support. I urge Who Dat! fans to display the Saints' team colors at their homes and offices and to wear black and gold all weekend as a sign of support for Louisiana's team."

The Saints advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time after an emotional win over the Philadelphia Eagles in front of more than 70,000 fans in the Louisiana Superdome Saturday night. 

Prior to the Saints' NFC divisional game against the Eagles, Gov. Blanco launched "Thank the Saints", an online initiative enabling fans to send their personal thank you messages to the team. More than 1,000 messages have been received and more than 500 of them are on display at The Shops at Canal Place (333 Canal Street) in New Orleans. Former Saints quarterback Bobby "The Cajun Cannon" Hebert and Gov. Blanco added their messages to the display that includes personal notes from music legend Harry Connick, Jr; news correspondent Cokie Roberts; former Saints quarterback Archie Manning; former Ambassador Lindy Boggs; Senator Mary Landrieu; Congressman Charlie Melancon; LSU head football coach Les Miles; actor Jay Thomas; "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts, and former U.S. Senator John Breaux. 

The Governor will provide a book containing the messages to the Saints at the end of the season. Fans are able to submit their messages online at the Governor's official Web site: www.gov.state.la.us <http://www.gov.state.la.us> .

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