After being introduced by Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour, United States President George W. Bush addressed guests assembled in the Blaize Gymnasium on the campus of Saint Stanislaus College this afternoon as part of his latest visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Bush was invited to tour the region specifically by Waveland Mayor Tommy Longo, a 1975 graduate of Saint Stanislaus. He also met with local elected officials, including Bay St. Louis Mayor Eddie Favre, U.S. Representatives Gene Taylor and Chip Pickering, and U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour entered with the President and presented him to the assembled guest. Among the 300 or so invited guests were members of the Saint Stanislaus College and Our Lady Academy senior classes as well as representatives of the faculty and administrations of both schools.
President Bush reported on the progress that has been made in providing federal financial assistance to those recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as well as the role the federal government has played in the removal of storm debris. He also touched on current legislation which is aimed at spurring the recovery effort in the affected region and helping residents to repair and rebuild their homes. The President especially noted the devastation he witnessed in Waveland, Mississippi as his motorcade made its way to Saint Stanislaus. Following his address, Mr. Bush greeted a number of attendees individually prior to his departure for Florida.