As residents paid tribute to those who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina, the city was also preparing for the arrival of Gustav, which hit Louisiana this morning as a Category 3 hurricane.

The New York Times has reported that nearly 2 million people have fled the Louisiana coast. CNN has reported that 10,000 people remain in New Orleans.

In a related story, Republican National Convention officials have decided to operate on a limited schedule today, canceling a full day of planned speakers and events. President Bush and his V.P. Dick Cheney canceled their scheduled appearances at the convention over the weekend because of approaching storm.

To learn how you can help those in New Orleans, visit Common Ground Relief as well as Habitat for Humanity/NOLA and UNICEF. I volunteered with Common Ground in 2005 for a week-long volunteer project during the week of Thanksgiving in both New Orleans and Houma. While there, volunteers cleaned, gutted, and rebuilt homes and communities, then ended the week on a wonderful note with a Thanksgiving Day dinner on the streets of the Ninth Ward. They are a wonderfully progressive organization that helps community members rebuild their homes and lives in New Orleans. Their site lists needed items such as food, water, cooking utensils, hygiene supplies, and tools.