NEW ORLEANS — The began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the storm's memorial in New Orleans, as community leaders reflected on two decades of recovery and resilience.

"New Orleans still stands and New Orleans is truly positioned, not only as we have evolved, but we're empowered for the next 20 years," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

The recovery wasn't easy. Katrina destroyed 200,000 homes, 18,000 businesses and 40 schools across the region.

"All branches of government came together,” said Rep. Tim Kerner Sr., R-Lafitte. “Right after the hurricane, people couldn't work, fishermen couldn't, if their boat was alright, nobody was there to buy their seafood.”

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser hosted a panel discussion titled "20 Years Beyond Katrina: Memory, Leadership, and Resilience."

"When you tho

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