Cameron, La. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. today released the following statement for the monument dedication ceremony in Cameron, Louisiana:

 

“Throughout history, societies have always given honor and respect to the resting place of their loved ones.

 

“From the small New England burial sites where the Pilgrims rest – to the hallowed ground of Gettysburg and Normandy where heroes gave their lives, cemeteries provide us a peaceful place to remember those we loved and lost. 

 

“When that sacred ground is violated or disturbed by man or nature, it not only violates our beloved dead, it causes pain and dislocation to the living as well.

 

“We come here today to dedicate this monument and restore the final resting places of our loved ones, but we also lay to rest a deep sorrow we have carried since Hurricane Rita devastated our communities. 

 

“Today is another day of healing for the community of Cameron Parish. 

 

“Today we bring closure to one of the most emotional effects of last year’s storm.

 

“We are here in reverence to once again remember those who died before Rita, but we are also here to offer support and hope for the living.

 

“For the dead and for us, these are much more than graves.  They are visible reminders of the memories of our departed friends and family members and all that these people still mean to us. 

 

“They are reminders of the countless sacrifices that were made to secure a better future for their children, their grandchildren and future generations to come.

 

“In honoring their remains we pay homage to all that they stood for, the lives they led, and the silent witness they still offer to us today.

 

“They are our history – they are who we are. 

 

“Faith teaches us that ‘in death our life is changed, not ended.’

 

“Today, we are reminded that though Hurricane Rita has changed our coast – no force of nature is strong enough to end the spirit that helped the people of Southwest Louisiana recover and rebuild.”

 

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