The American Flag is folded 13 times and presented to the families of those who have given their life for the nation. This flag rested on a can of beer in a cupboard of what used to be “Favalora’s” Sandwich shop.

Favalora’s in St. Bernard used to be what appears to be a thriving restaurant and Po-Boy Shop – judging from what is left of the interior. But the owner has not and will not return to reclaim the place, as the untouched flag in the cupboard tells us.

Roaming the streets of St. Bernard, I found many of these warning signs as that at Favalora’s on windows and doors. Essentially it says: If you have failed to reclaim your house (either because you are dead or have not returned for any other reason), we will soon be tearing down your home. Have a nice day. Oh no, wait. That last part it does not say.

Inside Favalora’s used to be a meeting point for America’s Foreign War Veterans. The facility is no longer used.

St. Louis Cemetery #1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans (1789). The graves still showed destruction from the storm 5 years after. Since New Orleans is literally built on a swamp, the tombstones are not sunk underground, but built above ground. When there is heavy rain fall, the cemetery’s alleys gather full of water, creating reflection pools inviting confusion between up and down.

The Dollar General store – like most stores in the Ninth Ward – has not found a new owner. Five years after Katrina, only 60% of former inhabitants have returned. Many of those who lived there before were of lower income and social status. An area not particularly interesting to businesses.

At the door in front of a house filled with children’s toys, sadly-faded Santa greets those who accidently come by.

This free standing house in St. Bernard is filled with children’s toys and sports equipment while the appliances and inner walls have been stripped.

The interior walls have not survived the storm, nor have the windows of this house. The bathroom appliances have been torn and scattered around the entire place are all kinds of children’s toys that neighbors have gathered here.