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CNN Live At Daybreak
U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan Will Hold Flag-Raising Ceremony to Honor Memorial Day
Aired May 31, 2004 - 06:00 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Tornadoes unleash their fury across the Midwest.
This is DAYBREAK for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Let me bring you up to date now.
Word just coming in a bomb has detonated on a busy Baghdad street near the Coalition Authority's heavily secured green zone. Witnesses say there are several casualties. At least one person is dead. No Americans have been killed.
The nation's mid section takes a blow from severe storms, including several tornadoes. Dozens of homes and building have been destroyed or damaged. At least one person died Sunday in Indiana. Six others were killed over the weekend in Missouri and Kansas.
In money news, the U.S. stock market closed for Memorial Day, but traders overseas appear to be concerned with the deadly rampage by gunmen in Saudi Arabia and its effect on global oil supplies. In Tokyo, crude oil futures are up nearly three percent.
In sports, Buddy Rice is the Indianapolis 500 winner. Rain did force officials to shorten the race from 200 laps to 180. TV's David Letterman, who grew up in Indianapolis, is co-owner of the winning team.
In culture, Memorial Day weekend always a big time for movies. Tops this weekend -- "Shrek 2," with more than $73 million in ticket sales; number two, "The Day After Tomorrow."
To the forecast center now and Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Now back to the damage from those severe storms in the Midwest. Dozens of tornadoes were spotted in eight states. The high winds and flying debris damaged hundreds of homes throughout the area. In Marengo, Indiana, one person was killed. Several others were injured during the storms; dozens of homes completely destroyed. Officials were also forced to institute a curfew due to the high number of downed power lines.
People left homeless in Marengo have been moved to a local high school now. Indiana Governor Joe Kernan plans to tour the devastated area later tornado.
In Missouri, three people killed when a tornado destroyed several mobile homes. Four children remain in the hospital this morning. And in St. Louis, one person was killed by a falling tree.
Stay with us throughout the morning for much more on these storms. Coming up in just a few minutes, we'll take you live to Indiana for a more detailed look at the damage.
For many Americans, the Memorial Day holiday has been reduced to just another day off. But with America involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the holiday does take on new meaning this year. Millions will remember those who died serving their country, not only in past wars, but in the current battles, as well. Events today include President Bush's wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery. On Saturday, Americans dedicated a World War 2 Memorial to the thinning ranks of World War 2 vets. Tens of thousands packed the National Mall in Washington for this ceremony.
Memorial Day has a special meaning for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, still very much a war zone, where four Americans were killed over the weekend.
CNN's Ryan Chilcote is at Camp Phoenix, just outside of Kabul, where a flag raising ceremony gets under way, oh, probably in about a half hour.
Let's go to Ryan now -- good morning, Ryan.
Tell us about this ceremony.
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, the ceremony is going to begin at exactly 29 minutes after the hour. There will be a minute of silence. That will be followed by 45 seconds of "Taps." That ceremony to pay tribute, of course, to all veterans of U.S. conflicts, but in particular, to veterans of the 45th Infantry Brigade.
The soldiers that I am with here primarily are from the 45th Infantry Brigade, also known as the Thunderbirds, and their military history dates to back before World War 1. They played a very significant role in World War 2. They did beach landings in Italy and then in France. From France, they moved into Germany, where they liberated the Dachau concentration camp. And they spent a great deal of combat, time in combat in Europe, losing 3,650 soldiers there.
Then these Guardsmen and women went to Korea, where they spent more time -- more days, consecutive days in combat than any other infantry unit in the U.S. military unit. And in Korea, they lost 834 soldiers. So the members of the 45th Infantry Brigade that are here, they're here training the Afghan National Army and they've been here for about six months; will be here for three months more and be paying tribute in just about 25 minutes from now to soldiers that have fallen in previous conflicts -- Carol.
COSTELLO: And, Ryan, in talking to these men where you are stationed right now, it must be a strange feeling to honor those war dead on Memorial Day in an active combat zone.
CHILCOTE: Indeed. Most of these soldiers have been quite fortunate in that their job here is to train the Afghan National Army. So except for when they're accompanying these soldiers, those Afghan soldiers, into the field, into hostile areas like eastern Afghanistan and southern Afghanistan, they're primarily in a training role. Their job here to really prepare the Afghan soldiers so that they can get in a position where the U.S. military doesn't have to commit so many servicemen and women to this country.
I would remind you that there are 20,000 U.S. servicemen and women in this country. Still, two soldiers from this unit were wounded since they were deployed here about six months ago; one of those two wounded by hostile fire -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Ryan Chilcote reporting live from Afghanistan this morning.
It is a very special Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. Thousands of veterans are getting their very first look at the nation's new World War 2 Memorial.
Bill Prasad live on the Mall with more -- good morning, Bill.
BILL PRASAD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
I'm standing here live in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Unfortunately, it may be a very wet Memorial Day tornado here in D.C.
Now, this is a holiday the nation has observed since 1868. But this year, there is a very big change.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PRASAD (voice-over): They come from all over the country to visit Washington's newest memorial; 140,000 people, many of them veterans and their families, seeing for the first time the National World War 2 Memorial.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, it was emotional. It's a great day for all of us, but mostly for the children, so they can come back here and see what America is about.
PRASAD: Eleven years in the making at a cost of $175 million, the Memorial is a neoclassical array of arches and fountains saluting the more than 16 million Americans who served, the 400,000 who died and the millions who supported the war at home. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can feel so small that you're a part of something so big.
PRASAD: In places like Afghanistan and Iraq, the sacrifice continues, men and women laying down their lives for their country. At a weekend rally for veterans, the president called with a message of thanks for those still serving.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: That they're carrying out this mission, a mission which will make America more secure and the world more free.
PRASAD: From soldiers in combat to soldiers in the twilight of their lives, a nation pauses to say thank you. Eleven hundred World War 2 veterans die each day, but their struggles are now immortalized in this salute to the greatest generation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PRASAD: In spite of the wet weather, a parade is planned for later this morning. Also later this morning, the president will be laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, all part of a number of festivities planned in the nation's capital on this very important holiday -- Carol, back to you.
COSTELLO: All right, Bill Prasad reporting live from Washington.
And as Bill just said, the president will lay a wreath at Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns. CNN will bring that to you live at 10:55 Eastern.
Attack in Saudi Arabia -- a dramatic rescue operation. We'll tell you who's safe and who's still at large.
And on Memorial Day, it is appropriate to ask are veterans getting the benefits they deserve?
And being stuck in traffic -- is it having an effect and your waistline? We have new results from a brand new study.
This is DAYBREAK for Memorial Day, May 31.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: Today could be another bruiser as far as the weather is concerned. Tornado alerts are posted in at least 14 states, from Louisiana and Mississippi to Pennsylvania and Maryland. The alerts include Indiana. But Indiana took quite a pounding this weekend already.
Gene Rodriguez of CNN affiliate WISH live in Indianapolis for us -- good morning.
GENE RODRIGUEZ, WISH 8 CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Let me show you some of the damage so far. We're looking at twisted metal right here. Now, this is all from a mobile home park called The Wynn Horse Mobile Home Park (ph). And if we'll pan over this way, you'll see that there is a tree on top of this mobile home right here. And then we move just a few yards over and there is literally an overturned mobile home, moved off of its foundation onto its side. And luckily nobody in this area was injured.
But keep in mind, this area is the same area that was hit in September 20, 2002, not long ago. So these folks have seen two tornadoes in less than two years.
Now, we have gotten some home video and obviously some damage of what it looked like last night. Plenty of destruction left throughout in central Indiana. The storms moved in an easterly direction through southern Indianapolis all the way across to the east side. We are now in the east side and what you're looking at is more damage, as well.
Now, these storms brought in heavy rains, high winds and spawned tornadoes. In fact, we had some home video of some of those tornadoes, and I don't know if you're looking at that right now, but folks actually were -- got out of their cars to look at some of these funnel clouds forming and captured it on their home video rather than taking shelter.
Now, we got some home video also from -- we had some video from some of our photographers, as well, as the storm moved in an easterly direction through southern Indianapolis, across to the east side, leaving some destruction. Luckily no injuries.
Lots of folks without power this morning. And, of course, our power companies working very hard to get that restored, as well as some gas, as well.
There was only one person who died as a result of this. This was in southern Indiana in Marengo. And it was an elderly man in a mobile home park. So only one person died as a result -- back to you.
COSTELLO: So, Gene, you're saying that people in cars who just happened to have video cameras with them pulled over to the side of the road, got out and took shots of the twisters?
RODRIGUEZ: Amazingly, that's what they did. Yes. They saw it moving. Most of them seemed to have kept a safe distance. However, you know, when you're supposed to take cover, folks were pulling out the video cameras.
COSTELLO: Can you keep a safe distance from a roaring tornado? I don't know.
Thank you very much.
RODRIGUEZ: I don't know.
COSTELLO: It's crazy.
Gene rendering of WISH in Indianapolis, reporting for us live this morning. Thanks to her.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 6:15 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Police in Saudi Arabia still searching for some of the gunmen involved in a series of weekend attacks. Twenty-two people, including one American, were killed. The man believed to be the head of the Saudi arm of al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The cleanup has begun across much of the Midwest after dozens of tornadoes swept through the area. One person was killed, several other injured as a result of those severe storms.
In money news, there's been another change in management at Fiat. The company's CEO has resigned after an executive from Ferrari was named to take over as chairman. He replaced Umberto Agnelli, who died last week. News of the management shakeup caused Fiat's shares to fall more than three percent overnight in Milan.
In sports, the Williams sisters have advanced to the final eight at the French Open. Both won their matches in straight sets. The marquis match up of the quarter finals will be Serena versus Jennifer Capriati.
In culture, an honor for Bob Hope. Burbank, California has dedicated its downtown post office to the legendary entertainer. Bob Hope would have turned 101 over the weekend.
Can you believe that, Chad, people just pulling over, getting out of their cars and taking pictures of the twisters?
CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, yes.
COSTELLO: Crazy.
MYERS: And you know what? The Indy 500 really wasn't over for that long after that storm went by, either. It was kind of dangerous. I was watching the Indy 500 and the tornado watches were in most of the time. I'm not sure how they were telling the fans about that, but they had to scramble to get out of there as the storms moved in after the race.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.
Nicholas Berg, the American who was kidnapped and beheaded in Iraq, was concerned about security before he left the United States. He told that to a film crew who shot a 16 minute interview with him for Michael Moore's movie, "Fahrenheit 911."
On Friday, we reported that the movie includes several minutes of that interview. That is incorrect and we regret the error. In fact, Moore has shared the interview with Berg's family only. Berg's brother praises Moore for not cashing in on the interview by including it in the movie.
World War 2 veterans, along with others, will be honored on this Memorial Day. A fact largely forgotten about the war was the struggle among African-American servicemen, who had to battle for equality while fighting a war.
CNN's Miguel Marquez spoke with one of the few still left to tell his story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
05300003.v89
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Remembering our World War 2 veterans -- an estimated 140,000 attended the dedication of their new place of honor among the nation's monuments. World War 2 vets are a rapidly dwindling population. About 1,000 of them die each day.
James King is national executive director of Amvets.
He joins us live from Washington this morning.
Good morning.
JAMES KING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AMVETS: Good morning.
Glad to be here with you.
COSTELLO: Glad you're with us this morning.
You paid a visit to the new World War 2 Memorial.
What are your thoughts?
KING: I'm glad to see it. I think it's something that's long overdue. It's a tribute not only to the veterans who fought and those who died, but there's also a lot of recognition for the homeland, for the people that -- farmers who produced the food that we needed, the factory workers who produced the arms and the planes and the vehicles that were needed for the war.
So I believe it's a beautiful memorial and it's most fitting that it sits where it does, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
COSTELLO: It is beautiful.
You know, World War 2 veterans are so honored.
Are today's veterans as honored, do you think? KING: I think that the public has a different view of veterans now than they did immediately after World War 2. Of course, World War 2, the whole country was pulling together to win the war. I believe starting about the time of the Vietnam War, we started to see somewhat of a rift in the country. The military was losing respect and with the end of the draft, I think we -- a lot of people were looking at them as mercenaries or people who couldn't make it on the outside.
However, I believe that since the first Gulf War, the war we're fighting in Iraq now and in Afghanistan, that people have come to look at the military in a different light. And they see the...
COSTELLO: Do you think so, sir? Even though the country is very divided over the Iraq war now and, you know, those prisoner abuse pictures are out?
KING: Well, I believe that they're divided because everything is being drug out and we've come to expect things to be over in a hurry. The first Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, they were quick. But I don't believe that the people are necessarily disrespecting the military because of it. I believe that they may not be real happy with the way things are going, but as far as supporting the troops that are over there serving and those that are backing them up here in the States, I believe the public is behind them.
COSTELLO: Talk about the injuries that so many soldiers have suffered, because we really don't hear stories of their injuries too much. But there are literally thousands of troops who are injured and are in hospitals all over the world.
KING: Yes, that's true. And they're -- of course, in any -- any time you're in combat, you're going to have injuries, you're going to have -- in firefights, you're going to have the bullet wounds. We have these explosive devices we hear about going off that are oftentimes killing people. And any time someone's killed, you also have someone injured. You see possibly a loss of arms, a loss of legs. You have people who suffer spinal chord injuries, besides just the normal flesh wounds, as it were.
COSTELLO: How many are injured? Do you know?
KING: I'm sorry, I don't have the numbers on that. I'm not sure that anybody does.
COSTELLO: Yes, I think it's around 4,000, but you're right, those numbers are hard to come by.
James King, the national executive director of Amvets, joining us this morning.
We're going to take a short break.
We'll be back with much more of DAYBREAK.
Stay right there.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: Time now for some stories making news across America this Monday.
A 16-year-old Colorado boy remains in the hospital this morning after being struck by lightning while playing golf. The boy's father, 47-year-old Russell Campbell, was killed by the bolt. Three other people were treated and released.
In Oregon, hundreds of volunteers are helping police search for a missing Brigham Young University student. Nineteen-year-old Brooke Wilberger was last seen a week ago. Her family says they know she's all right and friends say they're waiting for Brooke's kidnapper to set her free.
Scott Peterson's murder trial is set to begin tomorrow, more than a year after the bodies of his wife and unborn child were discovered. Peterson is charged with two counts of murder. If he's found guilty, he could face the death penalty.
And here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
Countdown to handover -- when will we know who will make up the new Iraqi government?
Plus, is your commute making you fat? We have details.
And a tribute to the greatest generation, when DAYBREAK continues.
COMMERCIAL
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 31, 2004 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Tornadoes unleash their fury across the Midwest.
This is DAYBREAK for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Let me bring you up to date now.
Word just coming in a bomb has detonated on a busy Baghdad street near the Coalition Authority's heavily secured green zone. Witnesses say there are several casualties. At least one person is dead. No Americans have been killed.
The nation's mid section takes a blow from severe storms, including several tornadoes. Dozens of homes and building have been destroyed or damaged. At least one person died Sunday in Indiana. Six others were killed over the weekend in Missouri and Kansas.
In money news, the U.S. stock market closed for Memorial Day, but traders overseas appear to be concerned with the deadly rampage by gunmen in Saudi Arabia and its effect on global oil supplies. In Tokyo, crude oil futures are up nearly three percent.
In sports, Buddy Rice is the Indianapolis 500 winner. Rain did force officials to shorten the race from 200 laps to 180. TV's David Letterman, who grew up in Indianapolis, is co-owner of the winning team.
In culture, Memorial Day weekend always a big time for movies. Tops this weekend -- "Shrek 2," with more than $73 million in ticket sales; number two, "The Day After Tomorrow."
To the forecast center now and Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Now back to the damage from those severe storms in the Midwest. Dozens of tornadoes were spotted in eight states. The high winds and flying debris damaged hundreds of homes throughout the area. In Marengo, Indiana, one person was killed. Several others were injured during the storms; dozens of homes completely destroyed. Officials were also forced to institute a curfew due to the high number of downed power lines.
People left homeless in Marengo have been moved to a local high school now. Indiana Governor Joe Kernan plans to tour the devastated area later tornado.
In Missouri, three people killed when a tornado destroyed several mobile homes. Four children remain in the hospital this morning. And in St. Louis, one person was killed by a falling tree.
Stay with us throughout the morning for much more on these storms. Coming up in just a few minutes, we'll take you live to Indiana for a more detailed look at the damage.
For many Americans, the Memorial Day holiday has been reduced to just another day off. But with America involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the holiday does take on new meaning this year. Millions will remember those who died serving their country, not only in past wars, but in the current battles, as well. Events today include President Bush's wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery. On Saturday, Americans dedicated a World War 2 Memorial to the thinning ranks of World War 2 vets. Tens of thousands packed the National Mall in Washington for this ceremony.
Memorial Day has a special meaning for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, still very much a war zone, where four Americans were killed over the weekend.
CNN's Ryan Chilcote is at Camp Phoenix, just outside of Kabul, where a flag raising ceremony gets under way, oh, probably in about a half hour.
Let's go to Ryan now -- good morning, Ryan.
Tell us about this ceremony.
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, the ceremony is going to begin at exactly 29 minutes after the hour. There will be a minute of silence. That will be followed by 45 seconds of "Taps." That ceremony to pay tribute, of course, to all veterans of U.S. conflicts, but in particular, to veterans of the 45th Infantry Brigade.
The soldiers that I am with here primarily are from the 45th Infantry Brigade, also known as the Thunderbirds, and their military history dates to back before World War 1. They played a very significant role in World War 2. They did beach landings in Italy and then in France. From France, they moved into Germany, where they liberated the Dachau concentration camp. And they spent a great deal of combat, time in combat in Europe, losing 3,650 soldiers there.
Then these Guardsmen and women went to Korea, where they spent more time -- more days, consecutive days in combat than any other infantry unit in the U.S. military unit. And in Korea, they lost 834 soldiers. So the members of the 45th Infantry Brigade that are here, they're here training the Afghan National Army and they've been here for about six months; will be here for three months more and be paying tribute in just about 25 minutes from now to soldiers that have fallen in previous conflicts -- Carol.
COSTELLO: And, Ryan, in talking to these men where you are stationed right now, it must be a strange feeling to honor those war dead on Memorial Day in an active combat zone.
CHILCOTE: Indeed. Most of these soldiers have been quite fortunate in that their job here is to train the Afghan National Army. So except for when they're accompanying these soldiers, those Afghan soldiers, into the field, into hostile areas like eastern Afghanistan and southern Afghanistan, they're primarily in a training role. Their job here to really prepare the Afghan soldiers so that they can get in a position where the U.S. military doesn't have to commit so many servicemen and women to this country.
I would remind you that there are 20,000 U.S. servicemen and women in this country. Still, two soldiers from this unit were wounded since they were deployed here about six months ago; one of those two wounded by hostile fire -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Ryan Chilcote reporting live from Afghanistan this morning.
It is a very special Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. Thousands of veterans are getting their very first look at the nation's new World War 2 Memorial.
Bill Prasad live on the Mall with more -- good morning, Bill.
BILL PRASAD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
I'm standing here live in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Unfortunately, it may be a very wet Memorial Day tornado here in D.C.
Now, this is a holiday the nation has observed since 1868. But this year, there is a very big change.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PRASAD (voice-over): They come from all over the country to visit Washington's newest memorial; 140,000 people, many of them veterans and their families, seeing for the first time the National World War 2 Memorial.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, it was emotional. It's a great day for all of us, but mostly for the children, so they can come back here and see what America is about.
PRASAD: Eleven years in the making at a cost of $175 million, the Memorial is a neoclassical array of arches and fountains saluting the more than 16 million Americans who served, the 400,000 who died and the millions who supported the war at home. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can feel so small that you're a part of something so big.
PRASAD: In places like Afghanistan and Iraq, the sacrifice continues, men and women laying down their lives for their country. At a weekend rally for veterans, the president called with a message of thanks for those still serving.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: That they're carrying out this mission, a mission which will make America more secure and the world more free.
PRASAD: From soldiers in combat to soldiers in the twilight of their lives, a nation pauses to say thank you. Eleven hundred World War 2 veterans die each day, but their struggles are now immortalized in this salute to the greatest generation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PRASAD: In spite of the wet weather, a parade is planned for later this morning. Also later this morning, the president will be laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, all part of a number of festivities planned in the nation's capital on this very important holiday -- Carol, back to you.
COSTELLO: All right, Bill Prasad reporting live from Washington.
And as Bill just said, the president will lay a wreath at Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns. CNN will bring that to you live at 10:55 Eastern.
Attack in Saudi Arabia -- a dramatic rescue operation. We'll tell you who's safe and who's still at large.
And on Memorial Day, it is appropriate to ask are veterans getting the benefits they deserve?
And being stuck in traffic -- is it having an effect and your waistline? We have new results from a brand new study.
This is DAYBREAK for Memorial Day, May 31.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: Today could be another bruiser as far as the weather is concerned. Tornado alerts are posted in at least 14 states, from Louisiana and Mississippi to Pennsylvania and Maryland. The alerts include Indiana. But Indiana took quite a pounding this weekend already.
Gene Rodriguez of CNN affiliate WISH live in Indianapolis for us -- good morning.
GENE RODRIGUEZ, WISH 8 CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Let me show you some of the damage so far. We're looking at twisted metal right here. Now, this is all from a mobile home park called The Wynn Horse Mobile Home Park (ph). And if we'll pan over this way, you'll see that there is a tree on top of this mobile home right here. And then we move just a few yards over and there is literally an overturned mobile home, moved off of its foundation onto its side. And luckily nobody in this area was injured.
But keep in mind, this area is the same area that was hit in September 20, 2002, not long ago. So these folks have seen two tornadoes in less than two years.
Now, we have gotten some home video and obviously some damage of what it looked like last night. Plenty of destruction left throughout in central Indiana. The storms moved in an easterly direction through southern Indianapolis all the way across to the east side. We are now in the east side and what you're looking at is more damage, as well.
Now, these storms brought in heavy rains, high winds and spawned tornadoes. In fact, we had some home video of some of those tornadoes, and I don't know if you're looking at that right now, but folks actually were -- got out of their cars to look at some of these funnel clouds forming and captured it on their home video rather than taking shelter.
Now, we got some home video also from -- we had some video from some of our photographers, as well, as the storm moved in an easterly direction through southern Indianapolis, across to the east side, leaving some destruction. Luckily no injuries.
Lots of folks without power this morning. And, of course, our power companies working very hard to get that restored, as well as some gas, as well.
There was only one person who died as a result of this. This was in southern Indiana in Marengo. And it was an elderly man in a mobile home park. So only one person died as a result -- back to you.
COSTELLO: So, Gene, you're saying that people in cars who just happened to have video cameras with them pulled over to the side of the road, got out and took shots of the twisters?
RODRIGUEZ: Amazingly, that's what they did. Yes. They saw it moving. Most of them seemed to have kept a safe distance. However, you know, when you're supposed to take cover, folks were pulling out the video cameras.
COSTELLO: Can you keep a safe distance from a roaring tornado? I don't know.
Thank you very much.
RODRIGUEZ: I don't know.
COSTELLO: It's crazy.
Gene rendering of WISH in Indianapolis, reporting for us live this morning. Thanks to her.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 6:15 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Police in Saudi Arabia still searching for some of the gunmen involved in a series of weekend attacks. Twenty-two people, including one American, were killed. The man believed to be the head of the Saudi arm of al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The cleanup has begun across much of the Midwest after dozens of tornadoes swept through the area. One person was killed, several other injured as a result of those severe storms.
In money news, there's been another change in management at Fiat. The company's CEO has resigned after an executive from Ferrari was named to take over as chairman. He replaced Umberto Agnelli, who died last week. News of the management shakeup caused Fiat's shares to fall more than three percent overnight in Milan.
In sports, the Williams sisters have advanced to the final eight at the French Open. Both won their matches in straight sets. The marquis match up of the quarter finals will be Serena versus Jennifer Capriati.
In culture, an honor for Bob Hope. Burbank, California has dedicated its downtown post office to the legendary entertainer. Bob Hope would have turned 101 over the weekend.
Can you believe that, Chad, people just pulling over, getting out of their cars and taking pictures of the twisters?
CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, yes.
COSTELLO: Crazy.
MYERS: And you know what? The Indy 500 really wasn't over for that long after that storm went by, either. It was kind of dangerous. I was watching the Indy 500 and the tornado watches were in most of the time. I'm not sure how they were telling the fans about that, but they had to scramble to get out of there as the storms moved in after the race.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.
Nicholas Berg, the American who was kidnapped and beheaded in Iraq, was concerned about security before he left the United States. He told that to a film crew who shot a 16 minute interview with him for Michael Moore's movie, "Fahrenheit 911."
On Friday, we reported that the movie includes several minutes of that interview. That is incorrect and we regret the error. In fact, Moore has shared the interview with Berg's family only. Berg's brother praises Moore for not cashing in on the interview by including it in the movie.
World War 2 veterans, along with others, will be honored on this Memorial Day. A fact largely forgotten about the war was the struggle among African-American servicemen, who had to battle for equality while fighting a war.
CNN's Miguel Marquez spoke with one of the few still left to tell his story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
05300003.v89
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Remembering our World War 2 veterans -- an estimated 140,000 attended the dedication of their new place of honor among the nation's monuments. World War 2 vets are a rapidly dwindling population. About 1,000 of them die each day.
James King is national executive director of Amvets.
He joins us live from Washington this morning.
Good morning.
JAMES KING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AMVETS: Good morning.
Glad to be here with you.
COSTELLO: Glad you're with us this morning.
You paid a visit to the new World War 2 Memorial.
What are your thoughts?
KING: I'm glad to see it. I think it's something that's long overdue. It's a tribute not only to the veterans who fought and those who died, but there's also a lot of recognition for the homeland, for the people that -- farmers who produced the food that we needed, the factory workers who produced the arms and the planes and the vehicles that were needed for the war.
So I believe it's a beautiful memorial and it's most fitting that it sits where it does, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
COSTELLO: It is beautiful.
You know, World War 2 veterans are so honored.
Are today's veterans as honored, do you think? KING: I think that the public has a different view of veterans now than they did immediately after World War 2. Of course, World War 2, the whole country was pulling together to win the war. I believe starting about the time of the Vietnam War, we started to see somewhat of a rift in the country. The military was losing respect and with the end of the draft, I think we -- a lot of people were looking at them as mercenaries or people who couldn't make it on the outside.
However, I believe that since the first Gulf War, the war we're fighting in Iraq now and in Afghanistan, that people have come to look at the military in a different light. And they see the...
COSTELLO: Do you think so, sir? Even though the country is very divided over the Iraq war now and, you know, those prisoner abuse pictures are out?
KING: Well, I believe that they're divided because everything is being drug out and we've come to expect things to be over in a hurry. The first Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, they were quick. But I don't believe that the people are necessarily disrespecting the military because of it. I believe that they may not be real happy with the way things are going, but as far as supporting the troops that are over there serving and those that are backing them up here in the States, I believe the public is behind them.
COSTELLO: Talk about the injuries that so many soldiers have suffered, because we really don't hear stories of their injuries too much. But there are literally thousands of troops who are injured and are in hospitals all over the world.
KING: Yes, that's true. And they're -- of course, in any -- any time you're in combat, you're going to have injuries, you're going to have -- in firefights, you're going to have the bullet wounds. We have these explosive devices we hear about going off that are oftentimes killing people. And any time someone's killed, you also have someone injured. You see possibly a loss of arms, a loss of legs. You have people who suffer spinal chord injuries, besides just the normal flesh wounds, as it were.
COSTELLO: How many are injured? Do you know?
KING: I'm sorry, I don't have the numbers on that. I'm not sure that anybody does.
COSTELLO: Yes, I think it's around 4,000, but you're right, those numbers are hard to come by.
James King, the national executive director of Amvets, joining us this morning.
We're going to take a short break.
We'll be back with much more of DAYBREAK.
Stay right there.
COMMERCIAL
COSTELLO: Time now for some stories making news across America this Monday.
A 16-year-old Colorado boy remains in the hospital this morning after being struck by lightning while playing golf. The boy's father, 47-year-old Russell Campbell, was killed by the bolt. Three other people were treated and released.
In Oregon, hundreds of volunteers are helping police search for a missing Brigham Young University student. Nineteen-year-old Brooke Wilberger was last seen a week ago. Her family says they know she's all right and friends say they're waiting for Brooke's kidnapper to set her free.
Scott Peterson's murder trial is set to begin tomorrow, more than a year after the bodies of his wife and unborn child were discovered. Peterson is charged with two counts of murder. If he's found guilty, he could face the death penalty.
And here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
Countdown to handover -- when will we know who will make up the new Iraqi government?
Plus, is your commute making you fat? We have details.
And a tribute to the greatest generation, when DAYBREAK continues.
COMMERCIAL
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