hurricane katrina & parade info

HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA WILL NOT STOP US

At the turn of the 20^th century, immigrants from all over Italy settled in New Orleans and in other parts of the southeastern United States. These proud men and women came to this country to build better lives for themselves and for their families. They did not receive any type of government assistance. Rather, they worked as laborers, tradesmen, and professionals. Our ancestors stressed the importance of a strong work ethic, education, Christian morals, and family. Through their efforts, Italian communities thrived in New Orleans and all over the United States.

Since the turn of the 20^th century, Italians in the United States have attained prominent positions in the arts, medicine, the legal community, government, and business. These achievements did not come easily. Italian parents continue to stress the importance of the values that have been the foundation of our culture for generations.

In August and September of 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Our lives will never be the same. The difficulties that we now face are great. However, like the Italian immigrants of the early 20^th century, we have the opportunity to build better lives for ourselves and our families. Like our ancestors, we will accept the challenges presented and conquer them.

The Italian American Marching Club is proud to stand as the largest ethnic organization in the southeastern United States. Our membership is comprised of men from a broad cross-section of professions and economic means. However, one thing every member has in common is the love and respect of his heritage. The St. Joseph's Parade affords our members a bit of normalcy during these trying times. It is imperative that we re-establish our relationships with friends and family throughout the region. That is exactly why we must march this year.

Since the hurricanes this past August and September, the Board of the Italian American Marching Club has received calls from members throughout the country regarding whether or not there will be a St. Joseph's Parade next year. Our members have advised the Board that the St. Joseph's Parade is consistently one of the top five events of their year. The Board agrees.

We will be back parading in the French Quarter (now the safest part of New Orleans) on March 15, 2008! Mark it down on your calendar to be with us!

Thank you for visiting the Hurricane Katrina & Parade Information web page. This page is to help you and to help our members to locate friends and family. Please visit the links below to help.

Hurricane Katrine Forum.

Most recent newsletter.

IAMC Application page to become a member.

Have you changed your address?

If you would like to make a donation to help our organization, please contact Mark Sigur at 504-421-0955. All donations will go to help continue celebrating our Italian heritage.

Italian American Marching Club

IAMC PARADE ROUTE