Last night another great American city went out on top, and went home with the Super Bowl victory. Only this year, it wasn’t just another great American city, it was New Orleans. Just five years ago eighty percent of New Orleans was underwater after it was hit with the worst natural disaster to ever touch American soil. The New Orleans Saints Super-dome turned into a ’safe-haven’ for only those lucky enough to be held in a shelter. But luck was not seen in that city after hurricane Katrina hit. Those of us watching the reports from home would think we were watching footage of a suffering third world country, and those reporting in New Orleans just in the aftermath of the storm actually forgot they were in the United States of America for a moment. In a documentary of compiled reports from Brian Williams’ reporting on hurricane Katrina, Brian says that while they were reporting in New Orleans he would say “, when we get back to the states…”, explaining that “there was absolutely nothing that would lead you to believe this is the United States”. Ever since I watched the documentary, that line has stuck with me. As an American, I was ashamed to see that we could let things get so awful and desperate for our fellow Americans that needed our help right away.

Last night was a victory for the people of New Orleans. For the people who suffered in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina nearly five years ago, and for those who still suffer five years later.

I made it to a friends house last night to watch the game with her, her family, and a couple other good friends. We were on the edges of our seats all night cheering, and also laughing at the great Super Bowl commercials of the year. I had never been so engaged in a Super Bowl game than I was last night. Half of the house was for the Saints, while the other half was for the Colts. I knew exactly who I was rooting for, and why. The game was absolutely amazing, from the very start to finish. There were times of doubt, but I did not lose faith for one moment. They played with their hearts, and for their city. My heart overflowed with emotion after the New Orleans Saints won last night. My eyes swelled with tears, and I thought of the people in New Orleans and pictured them crying with joy and pride for their great city. I could not be happier to know that the city of New Orleans, the city that lost so much (most of that being their dignity and pride) after hurricane Katrina is now celebrating a win that means so much to them. It overwhelms me. It was an amazing night I can say I’ll never forget.

I fell in love with that city in middle school when it was the first time I learned of it’s culture, the music, the people and the history. It’s an incredible American city, and over the years it’s only grown closer to our hearts. Maybe not all Americans were cheering for the Saints last night, but all of us have to be proud for them for reasons much bigger than football.

To the city of New Orleans: We love you, and we’re so proud for you, and of you!