House Concurrent Resolution 7

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND RECOGNIZING HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIMS OF MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA FOR THEIR DISPLAY OF COURAGE, BRAVERY AND SELF-DETERMINATION TO SUSTAIN.

WHEREAS, on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury on the States of Mississippi and Louisiana, uprooting families from their places of abode, destroying their safe havens of spiritual refuge and shaking their religious faiths; and

WHEREAS, even in the midst of the turmoil and seemingly unanswerable uncertainties, the spirit of brotherly love and Christian fortitude proved itself true in the display of courage, bravery and self-determination sustained by the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, it is because of this unwavering resilience of those affected in our dear Mississippi and neighboring sister-state, Louisiana, that we recognize, honor and commend these victims, who are not only victims, but survivors; and

WHEREAS, humanity as never before seen, has been personified through the most ordinary of individuals to the vanquard of the elite, as evidenced in a smiling face to lift one's countenance, a helping hand extended to pick up the broken pieces, a willingness to walk a mile in another's shoes and a heart that bleeds at the misfortune of our fellowmen:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express our gratitude, our sympathy, our understanding, but above all, our love to all of those whose lives were touched by the effects of Hurricane Katrina, and pray for them:

Courage to withstand the unforeseeable features of nature, the bravery to hold on and survive and the self-determination to sustain and rebuild.

To those who fled with uncertainty, no direction home, misplaced and no vision of tomorrow, we honor you.

The children, estranged, crying and unable to understand why, but holding on to the memories of before in distant lands--dreaming and telling unveiled stories of confusion and recognizable love and kindness shown from all over the world as a result of Katrina for years to come--and then will Katrina be compared to her reigning predecessor, Camille, and documented as unparalleled history.

And to those who lost their lives, may your souls rest in the comforts of eternal peace as with the sand, water and winds on the calmest coastal day.

To God be the glory. To all we honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to members of the Mississippi Legislature and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.