Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast with a force our communities will never forget. Entire neighborhoods were swept away. Families were displaced. Lives were lost.
The devastation that Mississippi endured in August 2005 remains one of the most painful chapters in our state’s history.
Even in the darkest hours, the people of Mississippi showed the strength of their spirit. Neighbors helped each other clear debris. Churches and community groups opened their doors. Volunteers from across the nation joined hands with us to begin the long process of rebuilding. The resilience born out of tragedy has defined us ever since.
Over the last two decades, Mississippi has rebuilt not only our homes and businesses, but also our sense of community and determination. Our Gulf Coast is once again a hub of commerce, tourism and industry. New schools, stronger infrastructure and revitalized neighborhoods stand as proof of what can be accomplished when we work together. We still bear the scars of Katrina, but we also carry the lessons of preparedness, resilience and faith.
Still, our recovery is not yet finished. To this day, some Mississippi cities and communities are waiting for FEMA to release funding for critical infrastructure projects made necessary by Katrina’s damage. Local governments that stepped up to rebuild have been left holding the bill.
That is unacceptable. Federal promises made to our people in the aftermath of disaster must be kept. Our delegation remains committed to cutting through the bureaucracy and making sure every community gets the resources it was promised.
As we reflect on the 20th anniversary of Katrina, we are reminded that natural disasters remain a reality for our state. Whether it is hurricanes, tornadoes or flooding, Mississippians know the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder in the face of adversity. Our Coast Guard, first responders and National Guard remain on the front lines, and our communities continue to show the same spirit of service and sacrifice that carried us through in 2005.
We are proud to represent a state that does not back down when tested. We will keep fighting for Mississippi’s fair share of disaster relief funding, for stronger protections against future storms and for the people who call this place home.
On this solemn anniversary, we honor the lives lost, the families forever changed and the communities reshaped by Hurricane Katrina. We also honor the enduring Mississippi spirit — the grit, faith and neighborly love that remind us that no matter the storm, we will rise together.
Mississippi has faced the worst of nature, and we continue to stand strong — together, and ready for whatever lies ahead.
Mike Ezell represents Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District, Michael Guest represents Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District and Bennie Thompson represents Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. Cindy Hyde-Smith is the junior U.S. senator for Mississippi and Roger Wicker is its senior U.S. senator.
