Mitch Landrieu: “It has been a symbol of pride in the past, and tonight it is a symbol of hope--a symbol of hope for the great rebuilding…”

“It has been a symbol of pride in the past, and tonight it is a symbol of hope--a symbol of hope for the great rebuilding of our wonderful city, region, and State. Just a year ago, the Superdome was a symbol of sadness, loss, confusion, and despair as New Orleans, the region, and our State faced the worst natural disaster in the history of this country. It wasn't just Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that caused devastation, it was also the levees that collapsed and put a great city and region under some 20 to 25 feet of water. It was in that overwhelming flood that people fled to the Dome looking for safety and security. All of America knows this sad story. But I am here to talk about a story of recovery, a story of leadership.”