Pass Christian 'Salute to 39571' Report
Pass Christian mayor pays tribute to first responders who are helping the Gulf Coast city rebuild

Eleven people representing Naperville, including Mayor George Pradel, visited Pass Christian, Miss., on Aug. 19, 2006, for the “Presentation of the Keys” to owners of the first three houses built by the Mennonites with funds raised by Naperville Responds. On that day, the group also met Mayor Chipper McDermott.

McDermott recently contacted Naperville Responds board members to invite them to the “Salute to 39571,” planned on Aug. 25, 2007 at the War Memorial Park. The intent was to recognize first responders who came to their aid after Hurricane Katrina wiped out the Gulf Coast city. And McDermott wanted all local residents to know he considers Naperville among them.

McDermott said he was also going to report on the progress his community had made, along with cutting a few ribbons to open some new businesses. "It's going to be a celebration, too," he said.

Unfortunately, no one was Naperville Responds was able to attend the ceremony, but Gulf Coast resident Ron Daley sent photos and a report of the afternoon events.

“All afternoon we had overcast with a look of rain on the way,” said Daley, following the celebration in the park. “But we got through it with no rain.”

Daley regularly sends notes of gratitude and photographs of progress to post on the Naperville Responds Web site.

Daley said Mayor McDermott began at 4PM with a speech titled “Two Years Later” and the rather large crowd hung on his every word.

“He's been absolutely wonderful for Pass Christian,” said Daley. “If Chipper lives to be 115 years old, he will always be 'The Mayor of Pass Christian.’ ”

Pass Christian native Robin Roberts, co-anchor of “Good Morning America,” was also on hand to celebrate their progress.

“After his opening speech he and the aldermen presented plaques to the fire and police departments and the head man for Mississippi Power,” said Daley. “Then came the moment everyone was waiting for--- Chipper invited Robin Roberts to join them in the Gazebo. I've never seen such an outpouring of love for a person as this group showed for Robin.”

Daley added, “She answered with ‘I Love You, too, Pass Christian,’ signed a few autographs and sorta disappeared into the crowd.”

Daley described a carnival scene with a live band, food booths “and, of course, lots of beverages.”

Editor's Note: To date, Naperville Responds has collected cash and in-kind services to build 20 homes in the aftermath of devastating Hurricane Katrina. For more information about the all-volunteer initiative, visit all the pages of this Web site. Thanks for your interest and support.