They Will Finally Be Laid To Rest
This is almost too sad for words:
For almost three years they have lain in a refrigerated warehouse in New Orleans—unclaimed, unwanted and, in some cases, unidentified.
Only now, as the city prepares to mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, are the last of the victims set to be laid to rest in what is expected to be the world’s biggest jazz funeral.
After delays caused by funding problems, bureaucracy and a remarkable scientific operation to put names to the remains, the 85 dead will be fêted on their final journey by brass bands and dancers before being interred at a new $1.5 million (£750,000) Hurricane Katrina memorial.
Playing his trumpet at the head of the parade—which will take place on August 29, three years to the day since the storm devastated New Orleans and the Gulf coast—will be Frank Minyard, the coroner who led the effort to identify the bulk of Katrina’s 1,800-plus fatalities.
He has taken personal responsibility for the corpses that remain after relatives either declined to take custody themselves or could not be traced. Of the 85 bodies, as many as 50 are unidentified. “It’s sad. We don’t know their names or their stories. But these people deserve their rest,” Dr Minyard told The Times. “The music is to show that our dear departed friend or relative is now going on to a more great and glorious reward in Heaven.”
No responses yet
