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American Morning

Liberty and Ellis Islands Reopen

Aired December 20, 2001 - 08:42   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: For the first time since September 11th, two small islands in the New York Harbor re-open to the public today. Liberty and Ellis Islands, historic symbols of freedom for the country, lie just south of where the World Trade Center once stood. CNN's Jason Carroll is standing by live at the jumping off point for the ferries to the island, which, of course, is New York's Battery Park. Good morning, Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And good morning to you, Paula. You know, it has been a while since I've been able to stand down here with a smile on my face, but this is a good day for New York City, as you said. Ellis Island and Liberty Island will reopen today. First time in about 100 days. Take a look behind me see the Statue of Liberty out there on Liberty Island.

Now, I have to tell you that the Statue of Liberty actually won't be open today. It's going to take a little while before security measures allow that to happen, but, once again, you can go out there and visit Liberty Island as well as Ellis Island, but there are going to be some changes out here, namely security changes.

There's a security checkpoint that's in place now that wasn't there before. They have got a sign out here that outlines some of the things that you need to remember. Also out here, I've got Katie -- Katie Lawhon out here, who can fill us in. Katie, why don't you tell us some of the things that people need to remember as they come out here?

KATIE LAWHON, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: Well, we're very pleased to be reopening Liberty and Ellis Islands, but there is a change. We have more security now. We're asking people not to bring big bags, any luggage, or large items with them, and they'll be passing through airport-like security on their way to ferryboats.

CARROLL: Definitely a good day for you guys. I know this is a day you've been waiting for for quite some time.

LAWHON: That's right. This is very exciting for us. We wanted to get members of the public back to Liberty Island and to Ellis Island. It's so important to see these icons and to think about American freedom and liberty.

CARROLL: All right. Katie Lawhon with the National Park Service, thank you so very, very much. Once again, the Statute of Liberty itself actually will not be open today, Paula, but the fact that Liberty Island and Ellis Island is reopening economically is a good thing for the city, and as you heard Katie say, it's a morale booster as well -- Paula.

ZAHN: We could use some heavy moral boosting, couldn't we, Jason?

CARROLL: Absolutely, but this is one of them for us.

ZAHN: All right. Stay warm.

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