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CNN Live At Daybreak

Mourning for President Ronald Reagan; Australian Man Being Held at Guantanamo Bay

Aired June 11, 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: A silent line of mourners. Public viewing ends three hours from now. And then at 11:30 Eastern, the state funeral for former President Reagan begins at the National Cathedral in Washington.
In money news, there will be no stock trading today. Wall Street, NASDAQ, all the financial markets in the United States are closed for the national day of mourning for Ronald Reagan.

In culture, Meryl Streep has reason to smile this morning. She's been honored with a Life Achievement Award given by the American Film Institute.

And in sports, defense, defense, defense -- the Detroit Pistons have a two games to one lead over the L.A. Lakers. Last night's score, Chad, Pistons 88, Lakers 66. Where were Shaq and Kobe?

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm not sure. But I'll tell you what, all those L.A. fans that had the brooms out for a sweep, boy are they waking up this morning -- or maybe going to bed tonight with a hangover, I'm not sure. But, oh my, boy, the Pistons just really ran away with that game.

Here are some pictures out of Utah from yesterday. I just looked and Farmington Canyon had six inches of snow. Here are some pictures from somewhere around Snowbird from our affiliate there, KTVX. Yes, it was snowing above about 7,000 feet there on the benches east of Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City picked up a couple inches of beneficial rain. They really needed it.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Dignitaries and leaders from around the world will attend the state funeral of America's 40th president later this morning. But right now, ordinary Americans are getting their last chance for an up close view of Ronald Reagan's casket. You're looking at a live picture from inside the Capitol Building.

Let's head live to D.C. and check in with Ed Henry once again -- good morning, Ed.

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Sixty-nine visitors had streamed past the casket as of 11:00 p.m. last night. That includes President Bush, who came by hand in hand with First Lady Laura Bush last evening around 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

After viewing the casket, spending a brief moment bowed in prayer, silent prayer, the president left and then headed to Blair House, right across from the White House. He met with Nancy Reagan. Obviously a lot of people up here on Capitol Hill have been praising the grace and dignity with which they think Nancy Reagan has handled all this pressure, not just this week, but over the last 10 years, as her husband battled Alzheimer's.

I want to talk a little bit about those numbers. I mentioned 69,000 people as of last night had already filed past the casket. Thousands and thousands more overnight. In fact, the line was so long it was expected to close, that line, at 7:00 a.m. But we've confirmed that they closed it much earlier, in the middle of the night, because there were just too many people. And there were so many people they would not make it to see the casket by 9:00 a.m., which is supposed to be the cutoff time on the schedule, 9:00 a.m., because Mrs. Reagan is going to be in the Rotunda once again at 9:45 a.m.

She's going to have a private moment or two at the casket and then she will move to a holding area, because they're going to get the casket ready to move to a hearse. They're going to come down the Capitol steps and that departure ceremony is going to start about 10:30 with some music, and then it will go straight to a hearse. There will not be a caisson like there was for the procession on the way to the Capitol.

The Military District of Washington will handle this. Then it will head over to the Washington National Cathedral for the 11:30 national funeral service. And, obviously, a lot of dignitaries, as you mentioned, will be at that funeral service. President Bush delivering a eulogy; former President Bush delivering a eulogy; also, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney; former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher delivering a eulogy.

So lots of people here. Tens of thousands still waiting to get in and see the former president's casket. But dignitaries also waiting, in a few hours, to go to that funeral service -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Ed Henry live from D.C., thank you.

HENRY: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Our special coverage of the Reagan state funeral begins this morning at 10:00 Eastern, 7:00 Pacific time. So, be sure to join us then.

We have some interesting numbers for you this morning. They show most Americans don't think the United States should cut and run in Iraq. But they also think going to war was a bad idea. Those opinions from a new "Los Angeles Times" poll. Nearly two thirds of the voters polled do not believe Iraq is ready to govern itself. About a third say the United States is making good progress, though. But six in 10 think the U.S. is getting bogged down.

On the heels of those numbers, more fallout from the Iraqi prison abuse scandal. Today's "Washington Post" says U.S. military intelligence authorized the use of unmuzzled dogs to intimidate prisoners. An investigation also has found two dog handlers had a contest to see how many detainees they could make wet their pants out of fear. The "Post" also reports that interrogators sometimes ordered handlers to bring barking dogs to within six inches of terrified prisoners.

U.S. officials want a top ally to stay in lockstep on Iraq. Australia's opposition Labor Party leader wants to bring Aussie troops home if he's elected. An election is expected within months. Labor and the governing Conservative Parties are neck and neck in the polls. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says pulling troops out of Iraq could threaten diplomatic ties between the two nations.

And an Australian at the U.S. Navy's Guantanamo Bay prison will face a military court on war crimes charges. U.S. officials allege David Hicks trained and fought along al Qaeda members in Afghanistan. But Hicks' family back home say they can't believe the charges.

Kim Landers of the Australian Broadcasting Company has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIM LANDERS, ABC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): David Hicks' father Terry and his stepmother Beverly digested the charged over breakfast, already pessimistic about the outcome.

TERRY HICKS: I think that just shove David straight through, whitewash him.

LANDERS: While relieved the process is under way, they're shocked at the accusations against the 28-year-old.

T. HICKS: And attempted murder, I mean that's -- I thought that was a civil offense, not a military offense.

BEVERLY HICKS: We thought the worst was been, but I think we've got the worst to come yet.

LANDERS: Hicks' Australian lawyer doesn't know if his client has even been told about the charges.

STEPHEN KENNY, SUSPECT'S ATTORNEY: I mean where are the al Qaeda people? Why is so much effort being put into a prosecution of an Australian citizen who, quite clearly, simply wanted to be a soldier?

LANDERS: The Law Council of Australia doubts whether Hicks will receive justice from the military commission.

BOB GOTTERSON, LAW COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA: There are inbuilt shortcomings in the proceedings which make them substandard and give reason to doubt that -- the fairness that one would get.

LANDERS: The prime minister says the trial could start as early as August. JOHN HOWARD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER: I've been assured that he'll get a fair trial. He's got a lawyer. He's got several lawyers. We're satisfied about the rules and we'll leave it to the tribunal.

LANDERS: And he says 48-year-old Mamdouh Habib, also held in Guantanamo Bay, could be dealt with soon.

HOWARD: He will be listed as eligible for a military commission trial in the very near future. I don't have an exact date.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Habib and Mr. Hicks, if they go through these military commissions, we will get the same result as Breaker Mirant got.

LANDERS: The government will have an observer at the Hicks' trial, but the prime minister won't say if Australia's intelligence agencies will attend. If convicted, Washington's agreed David Hicks won't face the death penalty. Instead, he'd serve out his time in Australia.

Kim Landers, ABC News, Kambra.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Well, let's talk about Ray Charles now. Ray Charles mixed gospel, blues and rock 'n' roll, and for him it was a recipe for greatness. The singer and pianist, perhaps best known for the hit "Georgia On My Mind," died Thursday from liver disease. He was 73 years old.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY HBO)

RAY CHARLES (singing): ... amber waves of grain.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: As a child, Ray Charles contracted glaucoma, which went untreated, and he became blind by the age of seven. Charles learned to read and write music in Braille and by the age of 15 he was playing in dance bands. He performed for presidents and counted singers across the spectrum as his friends and collaborators.

But to a minister from Los Angeles, Charles was simply dad.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. ROBERT ROBINSON, RAY CHARLES' SON: Everybody knows him as the legend, the genius. I just knew him as my father and his loving way, his giving way. He was one always to give his opinion, as Mr. Adams (ph) would say. He was very straightforward. You knew where you stood and he always gave great advice, just on life. He would talk to me just about life and what it was to be a man, a true man in this day and time. And that's what I appreciate.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Nice to hear.

Ray Charles recently finished recording an album of duets and it will be released on August 31.

In stories across America this Friday, Michael Newdow of California is challenging the reference to god in the Pledge of Allegiance. The case before the Supreme Court right now. Now the San Francisco resident has won a $1 million libel judgment against a California minister. The suit said Reverend Austin Miles falsely accused Newdow in a story on the Internet of committing perjury.

In New Paltz, New York, a judge has dismissed criminal charges against Mayor Jason West for marrying gay couples. The judge said the state has failed to show it has a legitimate interest in banning same- sex weddings. In February, West married more than two dozen same-sex couples.

Noon today is a life and death deadline for a comatose 7-month- old boy in Ohio. A court appointed guardian must act by then if Aiden Stein is to be removed from life support. The baby's parents have asked the Ohio Supreme Court to block such a move.

He's known as BTK, a serial killer whose crimes go back three decades. Every now and then, he taunts Kansas police and media in letters.

Reporter Cara Kumari from affiliate KAKE tells us what

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARA KUMARI, KAKE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Wichita State has always played a part in the BTK investigation. But now KAKE News has learned investigators have taken DNA samples from a number of students who took a folk music class in the mid-'70s. KAKE spoke with two people in the class who gave saliva samples to the KBI. One says investigators told him some of BTK's musings in one of his letters referred to something in the weekend seminar. The investigator added that some of the students have said no on principle to giving samples, and that they're trying to track down everyone who took this class.

And they're not the only ones investigators are collecting samples from. Former BTK detective Arlyn Smith gave a sample about six weeks ago, when he was visiting with the current detective about the case.

ARLYN SMITH, FORMER DETECTIVE: Absolutely. I was swabbed, gave up a DNA sample, because I think that it's important and I understand that the police department needs to be completely thorough in processing people that have been associated with the case in the past.

KUMARI: He says he knows of several others in the community who have also been swabbed.

SMITH: I know a number of other retired police officers that have submitted DNA samples. And I know of some civilians who were associated with the case who have submitted DNA samples. KUMARI: Smith says DNA technology is a huge asset to investigators because it saves a tremendous amount of time. He says he only wishes it were around when BTK first appeared.

SMITH: I'm a little envious that we didn't have it 25 years ago, when we really could have benefited from it. I think that it's proven itself to be accurate and non-invasive and cost-effective.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: That was Cara Kumari reporting from CNN affiliate KAKE in Wichita, Kansas.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, eulogizing a leader and friend, preparations now under way for the national event that will take place in this Washington cathedral today. We'll also talk to a presidential historian on the solemn and rare ceremony, as America buries a president.

Plus, a husband on trial and families divided -- the emotional case for and against Scott Peterson.

This is DAYBREAK for June 11.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It if 6:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Funeral services for former President Ronald Reagan will begin at 11:30 Eastern this morning there at the National Cathedral in Washington. Reagan will be buried later today at his presidential library in California.

Legendary singer Ray Charles has died of liver disease at the age of 73. Charles overcame poverty, blindness and a heroin addiction to become one of America's most popular entertainers.

In money news, Sarah Lee branded apparel will close five plants and lay off 3,800 workers by the end of the year. Four of the plants are overseas; one is in Ashboro, North Carolina.

In culture, the International Labor Organization, a U.N. agency, says at least 10 million children worldwide are trapped in domestic labor jobs. The ILO says the children work long hours and are often abused.

In sports, Mario Lemieux says he'll put the Pittsburgh Penguins up for sale unless he can get a deal for a new arena. Lemieux says a bill to legalize gambling might be the last hope. So he's gambling on that -- Chad.

MYERS: Yes. (WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Washington is solemn, excited and virtually locked down right now in advance of the state funeral for Ronald Reagan. Preparations are massive for this international event, as we hear from CNN's Brian Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At a normally quiet, reflective spot overlooking most of Washington, the invasion has begun, security sweeps, lockdowns, networks scrambling to coordinate logistics and camera positions.

Friday morning, dozens of dignitaries converge on Washington's National Cathedral for Ronald Reagan's state funeral. British Prime Minister Tony Blair and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are among the current heads of state expected to be there, along with the presidents of two countries in turmoil, Nigeria and Afghanistan. French President Jacques Chirac will not be there. He's sending his foreign minister and a former French president instead.

President Bush will deliver a tribute, as will his father.

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And I'm afraid the tears will flow. But I'm going to try to find something to dry them up.

TODD: All eulogizing the late president, his old conservative allies on the world stage, former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, Brian Mulroney of Canada. Reagan's adversary-turned- partner Mikhail Gorbachev will be there in the same room with Prince Charles.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will do a reading. It adds up to a spectacle of pageantry and a sometimes overwhelming challenge for those protecting and covering the event. Up to 18 network pool cameras will be in position inside and outside the cathedral. The Secret Service is coordinating protection with other security organizations, local police and the U.S. military.

They'll begin cordoning off whole blocks around this place Friday morning. The cathedral has hosted events like this, a state funeral for former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969, a national prayer and remembrance service just days after September 11. But for local residents, anticipation of this event is somehow different.

I haven't seen anything of this magnitude, so it will be very interesting to see. But we're expecting a lot of traffic, a lot of disruptions in the off-street traffic here.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Our special coverage of the Reagan state funeral begins this morning at 10:00 Eastern or 7:00 Pacific time. And still to come on DAYBREAK, she was married to a man who fought in a war long, long ago. Now a state pays homage to a woman who's lived our nation's history.

And then, remembering Ray Charles, the life and music of a legend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY HBO)

CHARLES: ... and I've paid all the dues, and the baby needs shoes, but I'm busted.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Time for our DAYBREAK Eye-Openers.

First, in Wichita, Kansas, like ducks to water -- it's sewer workers to the rescue after seven ducklings get swept down a parking lot drain. Shying away from the camera at first, the ducks are finally rounded up. And they had this big reunion with mom, but I don't think we're going to get to see that. But trust me, it was touching and emotional and moving.

MYERS: Wow.

COSTELLO: And the disappearing lake of Wildwood, Missouri. What a beautiful subdivision lake. It's now 20 acres of mud and dead fish. The lake sprang a leak on Saturday and by Wednesday morning, all the water was gone. Apparently the lake sits on caverns and that's where the experts think the water went.

Three days of tributes to the last widow of a Civil War veteran are being held in Montgomery, Alabama. The funeral for Alberta Martin is tomorrow. She died May 30 at the age of 97. When Martin was 21, she married 81-year-old veteran of the Confederacy, William Jasper Martin.

Let's talk about Ray Charles now.

MYERS: Yes, we lost Ray Charles.

COSTELLO: Oh, 73 years old. He died -- he had a problem with his liver. It was a long illness.

MYERS: It was.

COSTELLO: And he died yesterday. But he was so passionate in his singing.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Every time you watched him, it just, it just brought you joy. MYERS: And he actually recorded some things just last month, you know? So he was still going. He was still trying to go strong. But obviously it's over.

COSTELLO: Yes. It was a series of duets and it'll be out in August, so buy it.

We have some comments from some of his famous friends that we'd like to read to you right now.

This one from Aretha Franklin. She says: "I was really saddened to learn he was so ill. I had no idea he was as ill as he was until quite late. Of course, a great soul has gone on. He was a fabulous man, full of humor and wit, a giant of an artist. And, of course, he introduced the world to secular soul singing. Undoubtedly the music world will miss his voice. He's the voice of a lifetime."

MYERS: And some nice words from Michael Jackson, as well: "Saddened to hear of the death of my friend, Ray Charles. He was a true legend, an American treasure. His music is timeless. Contributions to the music industry unequaled and his influence unparalleled. His caring and humility spoke volumes. He paved the way for so many of us. I will forever remember him in my heart."

COSTELLO: And this one from Willie Nelson. He said: "I lost one of my best friends and I will miss him a lot. Ray could kick my ass any day in a chess game. He gloated over that. Last month or so, we got together and recorded "It Was A Very Good Year" by Frank Sinatra. It was great hanging out with him for a day."

So, Willie Nelson will be on that album of duets out in August. Awesome.

MYERS: It's great to drive around Georgia. Obviously, we're in Atlanta here. And on all the license plates it says "Georgia On My Mind," you know?

COSTELLO: That's right. Ray Charles was from Albany.

MYERS: He was from Albany, Georgia.

COSTELLO: Albany, Georgia.

MYERS: And he grew up in Florida, mainly; lost his eyesight to glaucoma when he was seven, so.

COSTELLO: And went on to greatness.

MYERS: He sure did. A great man.

COSTELLO: All right.

The dramatic ending to a week of mourning in America. The state funeral for Ronald Reagan takes place today.

It's Friday, June 11. This is DAYBREAK.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY HBO)

CHARLES (singing): ... above the fruited plain. Now wait a minute. I'm talking about America, sweet America, you know, God done shed his grace on thee. Crown the good, yes he did, hey with brother hood, from sea to shining sea. You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this.

UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS (singing): America...

CHARLES (singing): America...

UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS (singing): America...

CHARLES (singing): I love you, America.

UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS (singing): God shed his grace on thee.

CHARLES (singing): You see, my god he done shed his grace on thee. And you ought to love him for that, cause he, he, he crowned thy good, he told me he would, hey, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date right now.

Mourners have less than three hours to view the casket of former President Ronald Reagan. Public viewing in the Capitol Rotunda ends around 9:00 Eastern. His funeral at the National Cathedral will get under way at 11:30 Eastern.

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 June 11, 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: A silent line of mourners. Public viewing ends three hours from now. And then at 11:30 Eastern, the state funeral for former President Reagan begins at the National Cathedral in Washington.
In money news, there will be no stock trading today. Wall Street, NASDAQ, all the financial markets in the United States are closed for the national day of mourning for Ronald Reagan.

In culture, Meryl Streep has reason to smile this morning. She's been honored with a Life Achievement Award given by the American Film Institute.

And in sports, defense, defense, defense -- the Detroit Pistons have a two games to one lead over the L.A. Lakers. Last night's score, Chad, Pistons 88, Lakers 66. Where were Shaq and Kobe?

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm not sure. But I'll tell you what, all those L.A. fans that had the brooms out for a sweep, boy are they waking up this morning -- or maybe going to bed tonight with a hangover, I'm not sure. But, oh my, boy, the Pistons just really ran away with that game.

Here are some pictures out of Utah from yesterday. I just looked and Farmington Canyon had six inches of snow. Here are some pictures from somewhere around Snowbird from our affiliate there, KTVX. Yes, it was snowing above about 7,000 feet there on the benches east of Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City picked up a couple inches of beneficial rain. They really needed it.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Dignitaries and leaders from around the world will attend the state funeral of America's 40th president later this morning. But right now, ordinary Americans are getting their last chance for an up close view of Ronald Reagan's casket. You're looking at a live picture from inside the Capitol Building.

Let's head live to D.C. and check in with Ed Henry once again -- good morning, Ed.

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Sixty-nine visitors had streamed past the casket as of 11:00 p.m. last night. That includes President Bush, who came by hand in hand with First Lady Laura Bush last evening around 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

After viewing the casket, spending a brief moment bowed in prayer, silent prayer, the president left and then headed to Blair House, right across from the White House. He met with Nancy Reagan. Obviously a lot of people up here on Capitol Hill have been praising the grace and dignity with which they think Nancy Reagan has handled all this pressure, not just this week, but over the last 10 years, as her husband battled Alzheimer's.

I want to talk a little bit about those numbers. I mentioned 69,000 people as of last night had already filed past the casket. Thousands and thousands more overnight. In fact, the line was so long it was expected to close, that line, at 7:00 a.m. But we've confirmed that they closed it much earlier, in the middle of the night, because there were just too many people. And there were so many people they would not make it to see the casket by 9:00 a.m., which is supposed to be the cutoff time on the schedule, 9:00 a.m., because Mrs. Reagan is going to be in the Rotunda once again at 9:45 a.m.

She's going to have a private moment or two at the casket and then she will move to a holding area, because they're going to get the casket ready to move to a hearse. They're going to come down the Capitol steps and that departure ceremony is going to start about 10:30 with some music, and then it will go straight to a hearse. There will not be a caisson like there was for the procession on the way to the Capitol.

The Military District of Washington will handle this. Then it will head over to the Washington National Cathedral for the 11:30 national funeral service. And, obviously, a lot of dignitaries, as you mentioned, will be at that funeral service. President Bush delivering a eulogy; former President Bush delivering a eulogy; also, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney; former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher delivering a eulogy.

So lots of people here. Tens of thousands still waiting to get in and see the former president's casket. But dignitaries also waiting, in a few hours, to go to that funeral service -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Ed Henry live from D.C., thank you.

HENRY: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Our special coverage of the Reagan state funeral begins this morning at 10:00 Eastern, 7:00 Pacific time. So, be sure to join us then.

We have some interesting numbers for you this morning. They show most Americans don't think the United States should cut and run in Iraq. But they also think going to war was a bad idea. Those opinions from a new "Los Angeles Times" poll. Nearly two thirds of the voters polled do not believe Iraq is ready to govern itself. About a third say the United States is making good progress, though. But six in 10 think the U.S. is getting bogged down.

On the heels of those numbers, more fallout from the Iraqi prison abuse scandal. Today's "Washington Post" says U.S. military intelligence authorized the use of unmuzzled dogs to intimidate prisoners. An investigation also has found two dog handlers had a contest to see how many detainees they could make wet their pants out of fear. The "Post" also reports that interrogators sometimes ordered handlers to bring barking dogs to within six inches of terrified prisoners.

U.S. officials want a top ally to stay in lockstep on Iraq. Australia's opposition Labor Party leader wants to bring Aussie troops home if he's elected. An election is expected within months. Labor and the governing Conservative Parties are neck and neck in the polls. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says pulling troops out of Iraq could threaten diplomatic ties between the two nations.

And an Australian at the U.S. Navy's Guantanamo Bay prison will face a military court on war crimes charges. U.S. officials allege David Hicks trained and fought along al Qaeda members in Afghanistan. But Hicks' family back home say they can't believe the charges.

Kim Landers of the Australian Broadcasting Company has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIM LANDERS, ABC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): David Hicks' father Terry and his stepmother Beverly digested the charged over breakfast, already pessimistic about the outcome.

TERRY HICKS: I think that just shove David straight through, whitewash him.

LANDERS: While relieved the process is under way, they're shocked at the accusations against the 28-year-old.

T. HICKS: And attempted murder, I mean that's -- I thought that was a civil offense, not a military offense.

BEVERLY HICKS: We thought the worst was been, but I think we've got the worst to come yet.

LANDERS: Hicks' Australian lawyer doesn't know if his client has even been told about the charges.

STEPHEN KENNY, SUSPECT'S ATTORNEY: I mean where are the al Qaeda people? Why is so much effort being put into a prosecution of an Australian citizen who, quite clearly, simply wanted to be a soldier?

LANDERS: The Law Council of Australia doubts whether Hicks will receive justice from the military commission.

BOB GOTTERSON, LAW COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA: There are inbuilt shortcomings in the proceedings which make them substandard and give reason to doubt that -- the fairness that one would get.

LANDERS: The prime minister says the trial could start as early as August. JOHN HOWARD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER: I've been assured that he'll get a fair trial. He's got a lawyer. He's got several lawyers. We're satisfied about the rules and we'll leave it to the tribunal.

LANDERS: And he says 48-year-old Mamdouh Habib, also held in Guantanamo Bay, could be dealt with soon.

HOWARD: He will be listed as eligible for a military commission trial in the very near future. I don't have an exact date.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Habib and Mr. Hicks, if they go through these military commissions, we will get the same result as Breaker Mirant got.

LANDERS: The government will have an observer at the Hicks' trial, but the prime minister won't say if Australia's intelligence agencies will attend. If convicted, Washington's agreed David Hicks won't face the death penalty. Instead, he'd serve out his time in Australia.

Kim Landers, ABC News, Kambra.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Well, let's talk about Ray Charles now. Ray Charles mixed gospel, blues and rock 'n' roll, and for him it was a recipe for greatness. The singer and pianist, perhaps best known for the hit "Georgia On My Mind," died Thursday from liver disease. He was 73 years old.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY HBO)

RAY CHARLES (singing): ... amber waves of grain.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: As a child, Ray Charles contracted glaucoma, which went untreated, and he became blind by the age of seven. Charles learned to read and write music in Braille and by the age of 15 he was playing in dance bands. He performed for presidents and counted singers across the spectrum as his friends and collaborators.

But to a minister from Los Angeles, Charles was simply dad.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. ROBERT ROBINSON, RAY CHARLES' SON: Everybody knows him as the legend, the genius. I just knew him as my father and his loving way, his giving way. He was one always to give his opinion, as Mr. Adams (ph) would say. He was very straightforward. You knew where you stood and he always gave great advice, just on life. He would talk to me just about life and what it was to be a man, a true man in this day and time. And that's what I appreciate.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Nice to hear.

Ray Charles recently finished recording an album of duets and it will be released on August 31.

In stories across America this Friday, Michael Newdow of California is challenging the reference to god in the Pledge of Allegiance. The case before the Supreme Court right now. Now the San Francisco resident has won a $1 million libel judgment against a California minister. The suit said Reverend Austin Miles falsely accused Newdow in a story on the Internet of committing perjury.

In New Paltz, New York, a judge has dismissed criminal charges against Mayor Jason West for marrying gay couples. The judge said the state has failed to show it has a legitimate interest in banning same- sex weddings. In February, West married more than two dozen same-sex couples.

Noon today is a life and death deadline for a comatose 7-month- old boy in Ohio. A court appointed guardian must act by then if Aiden Stein is to be removed from life support. The baby's parents have asked the Ohio Supreme Court to block such a move.

He's known as BTK, a serial killer whose crimes go back three decades. Every now and then, he taunts Kansas police and media in letters.

Reporter Cara Kumari from affiliate KAKE tells us what

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARA KUMARI, KAKE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Wichita State has always played a part in the BTK investigation. But now KAKE News has learned investigators have taken DNA samples from a number of students who took a folk music class in the mid-'70s. KAKE spoke with two people in the class who gave saliva samples to the KBI. One says investigators told him some of BTK's musings in one of his letters referred to something in the weekend seminar. The investigator added that some of the students have said no on principle to giving samples, and that they're trying to track down everyone who took this class.

And they're not the only ones investigators are collecting samples from. Former BTK detective Arlyn Smith gave a sample about six weeks ago, when he was visiting with the current detective about the case.

ARLYN SMITH, FORMER DETECTIVE: Absolutely. I was swabbed, gave up a DNA sample, because I think that it's important and I understand that the police department needs to be completely thorough in processing people that have been associated with the case in the past.

KUMARI: He says he knows of several others in the community who have also been swabbed.

SMITH: I know a number of other retired police officers that have submitted DNA samples. And I know of some civilians who were associated with the case who have submitted DNA samples. KUMARI: Smith says DNA technology is a huge asset to investigators because it saves a tremendous amount of time. He says he only wishes it were around when BTK first appeared.

SMITH: I'm a little envious that we didn't have it 25 years ago, when we really could have benefited from it. I think that it's proven itself to be accurate and non-invasive and cost-effective.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: That was Cara Kumari reporting from CNN affiliate KAKE in Wichita, Kansas.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, eulogizing a leader and friend, preparations now under way for the national event that will take place in this Washington cathedral today. We'll also talk to a presidential historian on the solemn and rare ceremony, as America buries a president.

Plus, a husband on trial and families divided -- the emotional case for and against Scott Peterson.

This is DAYBREAK for June 11.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It if 6:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Funeral services for former President Ronald Reagan will begin at 11:30 Eastern this morning there at the National Cathedral in Washington. Reagan will be buried later today at his presidential library in California.

Legendary singer Ray Charles has died of liver disease at the age of 73. Charles overcame poverty, blindness and a heroin addiction to become one of America's most popular entertainers.

In money news, Sarah Lee branded apparel will close five plants and lay off 3,800 workers by the end of the year. Four of the plants are overseas; one is in Ashboro, North Carolina.

In culture, the International Labor Organization, a U.N. agency, says at least 10 million children worldwide are trapped in domestic labor jobs. The ILO says the children work long hours and are often abused.

In sports, Mario Lemieux says he'll put the Pittsburgh Penguins up for sale unless he can get a deal for a new arena. Lemieux says a bill to legalize gambling might be the last hope. So he's gambling on that -- Chad.

MYERS: Yes. (WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Washington is solemn, excited and virtually locked down right now in advance of the state funeral for Ronald Reagan. Preparations are massive for this international event, as we hear from CNN's Brian Todd.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At a normally quiet, reflective spot overlooking most of Washington, the invasion has begun, security sweeps, lockdowns, networks scrambling to coordinate logistics and camera positions.

Friday morning, dozens of dignitaries converge on Washington's National Cathedral for Ronald Reagan's state funeral. British Prime Minister Tony Blair and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are among the current heads of state expected to be there, along with the presidents of two countries in turmoil, Nigeria and Afghanistan. French President Jacques Chirac will not be there. He's sending his foreign minister and a former French president instead.

President Bush will deliver a tribute, as will his father.

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And I'm afraid the tears will flow. But I'm going to try to find something to dry them up.

TODD: All eulogizing the late president, his old conservative allies on the world stage, former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, Brian Mulroney of Canada. Reagan's adversary-turned- partner Mikhail Gorbachev will be there in the same room with Prince Charles.

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will do a reading. It adds up to a spectacle of pageantry and a sometimes overwhelming challenge for those protecting and covering the event. Up to 18 network pool cameras will be in position inside and outside the cathedral. The Secret Service is coordinating protection with other security organizations, local police and the U.S. military.

They'll begin cordoning off whole blocks around this place Friday morning. The cathedral has hosted events like this, a state funeral for former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969, a national prayer and remembrance service just days after September 11. But for local residents, anticipation of this event is somehow different.

I haven't seen anything of this magnitude, so it will be very interesting to see. But we're expecting a lot of traffic, a lot of disruptions in the off-street traffic here.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Our special coverage of the Reagan state funeral begins this morning at 10:00 Eastern or 7:00 Pacific time. And still to come on DAYBREAK, she was married to a man who fought in a war long, long ago. Now a state pays homage to a woman who's lived our nation's history.

And then, remembering Ray Charles, the life and music of a legend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY HBO)

CHARLES: ... and I've paid all the dues, and the baby needs shoes, but I'm busted.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Time for our DAYBREAK Eye-Openers.

First, in Wichita, Kansas, like ducks to water -- it's sewer workers to the rescue after seven ducklings get swept down a parking lot drain. Shying away from the camera at first, the ducks are finally rounded up. And they had this big reunion with mom, but I don't think we're going to get to see that. But trust me, it was touching and emotional and moving.

MYERS: Wow.

COSTELLO: And the disappearing lake of Wildwood, Missouri. What a beautiful subdivision lake. It's now 20 acres of mud and dead fish. The lake sprang a leak on Saturday and by Wednesday morning, all the water was gone. Apparently the lake sits on caverns and that's where the experts think the water went.

Three days of tributes to the last widow of a Civil War veteran are being held in Montgomery, Alabama. The funeral for Alberta Martin is tomorrow. She died May 30 at the age of 97. When Martin was 21, she married 81-year-old veteran of the Confederacy, William Jasper Martin.

Let's talk about Ray Charles now.

MYERS: Yes, we lost Ray Charles.

COSTELLO: Oh, 73 years old. He died -- he had a problem with his liver. It was a long illness.

MYERS: It was.

COSTELLO: And he died yesterday. But he was so passionate in his singing.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Every time you watched him, it just, it just brought you joy. MYERS: And he actually recorded some things just last month, you know? So he was still going. He was still trying to go strong. But obviously it's over.

COSTELLO: Yes. It was a series of duets and it'll be out in August, so buy it.

We have some comments from some of his famous friends that we'd like to read to you right now.

This one from Aretha Franklin. She says: "I was really saddened to learn he was so ill. I had no idea he was as ill as he was until quite late. Of course, a great soul has gone on. He was a fabulous man, full of humor and wit, a giant of an artist. And, of course, he introduced the world to secular soul singing. Undoubtedly the music world will miss his voice. He's the voice of a lifetime."

MYERS: And some nice words from Michael Jackson, as well: "Saddened to hear of the death of my friend, Ray Charles. He was a true legend, an American treasure. His music is timeless. Contributions to the music industry unequaled and his influence unparalleled. His caring and humility spoke volumes. He paved the way for so many of us. I will forever remember him in my heart."

COSTELLO: And this one from Willie Nelson. He said: "I lost one of my best friends and I will miss him a lot. Ray could kick my ass any day in a chess game. He gloated over that. Last month or so, we got together and recorded "It Was A Very Good Year" by Frank Sinatra. It was great hanging out with him for a day."

So, Willie Nelson will be on that album of duets out in August. Awesome.

MYERS: It's great to drive around Georgia. Obviously, we're in Atlanta here. And on all the license plates it says "Georgia On My Mind," you know?

COSTELLO: That's right. Ray Charles was from Albany.

MYERS: He was from Albany, Georgia.

COSTELLO: Albany, Georgia.

MYERS: And he grew up in Florida, mainly; lost his eyesight to glaucoma when he was seven, so.

COSTELLO: And went on to greatness.

MYERS: He sure did. A great man.

COSTELLO: All right.

The dramatic ending to a week of mourning in America. The state funeral for Ronald Reagan takes place today.

It's Friday, June 11. This is DAYBREAK.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, COURTESY HBO)

CHARLES (singing): ... above the fruited plain. Now wait a minute. I'm talking about America, sweet America, you know, God done shed his grace on thee. Crown the good, yes he did, hey with brother hood, from sea to shining sea. You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this.

UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS (singing): America...

CHARLES (singing): America...

UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS (singing): America...

CHARLES (singing): I love you, America.

UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS (singing): God shed his grace on thee.

CHARLES (singing): You see, my god he done shed his grace on thee. And you ought to love him for that, cause he, he, he crowned thy good, he told me he would, hey, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date right now.

Mourners have less than three hours to view the casket of former President Ronald Reagan. Public viewing in the Capitol Rotunda ends around 9:00 Eastern. His funeral at the National Cathedral will get under way at 11:30 Eastern.

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