As New Orleans marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina Tuesday, President Bush for the first time said he takes “full” responsibility for the government’s highly criticized response to the crisis.

• President Bush: “The challenge is not only to help rebuild, but the challenge is to help restore the soul. I take full responsibility for the federal government’s response, and a year ago I made a pledge that we will learn the lessons of Katrina and that we will do what it takes to help you recover.”

President Bush said he would support legislation that would give Louisiana a higher share of offshore gas revenues, but did not say how much money he thinks should go to the state. Dozens of ceremonies were held Tuesday from the city’s core to surrounding Parishes. At 9:38 in the morning, Mayor Ray Nagin rang a bell to commemorate the time when the first levee broke one year ago.

• New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin: “As I look out among all of you, I know that there are some people out there that are having a difficult time with today. I am personally having a difficult time with it, but trust me that we will get through it. And we will get through it if we work together. There’s never been a disaster like this in the history of this country, and we are hopeful that there will never be a disaster like this ever again.”