Levees.org unveils its first Louisiana State Historic Plaque

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

17 year old Doyle Cooper plays the trumpet in closing the Plaque Dedication Ceremony. Photo by Judi Bottoni

Under a blazing sun, Levees.org unveiled its first Louisiana State Historic Plaque at Ground Zero of the 17th Street Canal levee breach in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans.

The informational plaque is adorned with the beloved state bird, the brown pelican, and to the delight of the audience today, three of the graceful birds alighted atop the floodwall directly behind the new plaque during the ceremony.

The ceremony began with piper Marta Vincent who played “Amazing Grace.”

Many elected officials attended the solemn event including New Orleans City Council President Arnie Fielkow, and Vice President Jackie Brechtel Clarkson and City Councilwoman Susan Guidry. Mayor Mitch Landrieu sent one of his senior advisors, Scott Hutcheson to say a few words on behalf of the Mayor. Also present was Representative Nick Lorusso.

Sandy Rosenthal founder of Levees.org spoke a few words before unveiling the plaque. Everyone read the words aloud together. It was an emotional moment.

Actor Harry Shearer, director of The Big Uneasy joined the Ceremony and spoke a few words.

The ceremony closed with the trumpet music of 17 year old Doyle Cooper who performed a beautiful rendition of “A closer walk with thee.”

This Historic Plaque is the first of many. Levees.org will hold fundraisers to raise the money for plaques at other breach sites in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.

Click link for photo gallery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24669697@N05/sets/72157624630239767/

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Dedication of Historic Plaque set for Monday at 10:30am

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

The beautiful Historic Plaque is now in place ready to be unveiled.

On Monday, August 23, at ground zero of the 17th Street Canal in Lakeview New Orleans, Levees.org will unveil its first ever State Historic Plaque.

The traditional Louisiana state plaque, complete with an emblazoned and beloved brown pelican, briefly describes the events surrounding the catastrophic breach of the 17th Street Canal during Katrina.

The plaque was recently approved by the Architectural Historian with the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation, and will be placed on the New Orleans city right-of-way on Bellaire Drive in the Lakeview neighborhood.

Levees.org sees this as the first of many historic plaques to be installed in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish. The group envisions plaques at the London Avenue Canal, the Industrial Canal and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet to name just a few.

What: Dedication Ceremony of Historic Plaque
When: Monday, August 23 at 10:30a
Where: 6932 Bellaire Drive New Orleans (T-intersection of Bellaire and Stafford)

New Orleans Councilwoman Susan Guidry, Council President Arnie Fielkow and Harry Shearer (director of The Big Uneasy to be released August 30) have confirmed they will attend.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Mayor Mitch Landrieu will speak at the Ceremony.

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USA Today’s 5th Anniversary video special spotlights 3 members of Levees.org

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Rhyne Piggot with USA Today has just released a fine compilation of videos spotlighting New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish 5 years after Katrina exposed deficient hurricane protection.

USA Today invited Levees.org to appear in two of the videos released today.

In this footage shot earlier this year, we were invited to comment on the safety of the region’s levee system.

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