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CNN Live At Daybreak

Old Guard is Official Honor Guard; Rough Ride on Nation's Roadways

Aired May 30, 2005 - 06:31   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: Good morning. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello.
"Now in the News."

The casualty count is on the rise in Iraq. At least 27 people are now confirmed dead in a pair of suicide bombings today south of Baghdad. Many of the victims were Iraqi police officers. At least 118 other people were wounded in coordinated explosions.

Is there a lack of unity in the European Union? Yes, there is this morning. French voters have rejected the union's proposed constitution. President Jacques Chirac had strongly urged approval. But critics say a yes vote would have diminished France's national identity.

Two U.S. citizens face a judge tomorrow on charges of conspiring to help al Qaeda. The FBI arrested a Florida doctor and a New York martial arts expert over the weekend. Authorities say they conspired to treat and train terrorists.

To the forecast center now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: From music to motorcycles to memories. The Memorial Day weekend has seen a series of tributes to military men and women.

The Marine Corps' anthem rang out in Washington, and thousands of people sang along at the annual Memorial Day concert on Capitol Hill.

Also, Donald Rumsfeld joined a big gang of bikers this weekend. He spoke to the Rolling Thunder rally, an annual biker event supporting veterans' rights.

And earlier, thousands of bikers rolled down the Washington streets revving their Hogs and proving why they call it Rolling Thunder. The bikers have been staging the rally since 1988.

And President Bush will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns later this morning. Of course, we will bring you live coverage. That starts at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.

Those ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns are conducted by the Old Guard. They're the oldest active-duty infantry unit, as well as the nation's Honor Guard. CNN national correspondent Bruce Morton takes a look at one of their most lasting traditions.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Charlie Company, 3rd Infantry Regiment's the Old Guard. They are in Arlington Cemetery doing what they do every Memorial Day: putting flags in front of the tombstones here. The flag is planted one foot, one soldier's foot, in front of the stone.

Aaron Nelson, 23, from Hibbing, Minnesota, says the spring rains that have softened the grounds made it easier this year.

PFC AARON NELSON, MEMBER OF THE OLD GUARD: Countless war heroes are buried throughout the cemetery. I mean, even just putting a flag in them is just a small honor. And that's one thing that I like to -- that's one thing that I'm able to do for them.

MORTON: They train for combat, too, here firing the anti-armor Javelin missile. But they are the Old Guard. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns. It gets flags, too.

This is a new grave, no stone yet, but a flag. They're the Honor Guard at the funerals here.

Aaron Nelson likes the Army, but he'd only seen one funeral before he joined. And the ones here, he says, are not easy duty.

NELSON: You have to see the family. You have to see, you know, the wife, the children, you know, just babies that are left. And they -- they don't even know what's going on, you know? And they are left with no father, no mother. I mean, it's sad to see that. It's something that you don't want to see, to see 8-year-old girls crying. It's just not a sight that should be seen.

MORTON: The work goes on flag by flag, row by row. The 1,100 men of the Old Guard will plant more than 280,000 flags this day.

And, finally, as the day wanes, the work is done, Aaron Nelson and the other men of Charlie Company can head home now. The cemetery, full of memories, full of grief and pain and honor, rests now, ready for Memorial Day.

Bruce Morton, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: CNN's special Memorial Day coverage continues on "AMERICAN MORNING," where General Richard Myers will be a guest. That comes your way at 7:00 a.m. Eastern.

Today marks two weeks since two Idaho children went missing. Authorities are hoping new pictures of 9-year-old Dylan Groene and his 8-year-old sister, Shasta, will help crack the case. The children's mother, brother and their mother's boyfriend were found dead at their home. Authorities say they still have no motive or suspects.

In case you missed them, here are highlights from this past weekend. Atlanta police arrested a man who spent about 57 hours perched atop a construction crane. Carl Roland is wanted in Florida in the beating death of his ex-girlfriend. Police stun-gunned Roland early Saturday after luring him closer to them by offering him some water.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone was released from a California jail Saturday. He was arrested in Beverly Hills the night before on suspicion of drug possession and driving while drunk. Stone agreed to enter rehab in 1999 after a similar arrest.

And finally, he thought Green Acres was the place to be. Actor Eddie Albert died at the age of 97. He was best known for the sitcom "Green Acres," in which he played a city slicker who moves to the country.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, feel like you're navigating a mine field on your way to work every day? America's roads have a repair problem, and it's costing you. We'll tell you how much.

Also ahead, a new lead in the case of the mystery piano man.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: I know a lot of you hit the road this weekend. Is your car OK? I ask you that because the state of our nation's roadways is not the best. According to a new study, 1 in 4 miles of our roadways is substandard, and it costs each of us $400 a year.

Live to Washington and Frank Moretti. He is with The Road Information Program, or TRIP.

Good morning.

FRANK MORETTI, ROAD INFORMATION PROGRAM: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: First, define for us "substandard roadways."

MORETTI: These are pavement conditions that as you're driving across them you sense more vibration on your vehicle. You sense the vehicle is under more stress. And it is, because the rougher the shape the roads are in, the harder the car has to work. And in the long run, that means that the car is going to start to fall apart that much more quickly.

COSTELLO: We know what that's about. You have a list of the cities with the roughest rides. We want to go down the list right now, if we could put the graphic up: Kansas City, San Jose, Saint Louis, Los Angeles, and San Francisco-Oakland. So, tell us how much worse the roadways are in these cities than in others.

MORETTI: Well, in each of these areas, you're going to be much more likely to be driving on roads that are either older roads that have pavements that need to be resurfaced long ago, and unfortunately the state of the local governments have been unable to do it. And so, again, your vehicles are under a lot more stress. And if you look at both of those states, those are states that have acknowledged in recent years have not been able to adequately fund the type of improvements that these roadways need.

COSTELLO: Why haven't they been able to fund road repair?

MORETTI: Well, what we've seen over the last five years in particular is after a period when things generally were improving is that state governments ran into a lot of fiscal problems. In California, over a billion dollars a year of highway taxes were being used for other purposes. The same thing in Missouri, although just last year Missouri voters made sure in a referendum that the highway taxes that they're paying now go to fix the roads.

COSTELLO: So, they're actually creating laws prohibiting money from being diverted from highway construction problems -- or projects, rather.

MORETTI: That's right. Also Governor Schwarzenegger has announced this year in his budget proposal that money would go strictly to fix the roads, and that money cannot be diverted. So, those are recognition, I think, that they realize they've got a problem. Pavements are getting worse. And it needs to be addressed, not only by states but also out of Washington.

COSTELLO: As far as damage to our cars, you say it's costing us $400 a year. How did you come up with that?

MORETTI: Every year we take a look at AAA's figures in terms of what it costs to maintain a vehicle. Then, we look at data that shows that vehicle deterioration accelerates significantly when pavements are in poor condition. Quite simply, vehicles wear out that much more quickly. They also burn more fuel, which also have environmental consequences.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Frank Moretti, thanks for joining DAYBREAK on this Memorial Day. We certainly appreciate it.

MORETTI: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Listen to this: If your car doesn't start, then you may be too drunk to drive. That's the premise behind a Florida man's invention. He's testing a $600 steering wheel sensor that will check your skin to see if you've consumed too much alcohol. If you have, your car won't start. Can't steer it.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, an alternative rock band finds itself in a hot political mess.

More news in a moment. But first, it's time to say happy birthday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Now to our market report. The international markets are in positive territory this morning. Japan's Nikkei closes up 74 points. The German DAX up nearly 26 points. Markets are closed for the holidays in Britain and also, of course, here in the United States.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:46 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

The casualty count in Iraq has just gone up to 27 dead, 118 injured. Many of those killed or wounded were police officers. Authorities say two suicide bombers wearing explosive-packed vests blew themselves up outside of government buildings in Hilla, which is south of Baghdad.

In money news, southerners, it is your turn. Beginning tomorrow, people who live in the South may order free copies of their credit report. It's part of the federal law that's been gradually phased in nationwide since last year.

In culture, alternative rock band Nine Inch Nails will not play as planned at the upcoming MTV movie awards. They pulled out when the network said they could not play in front of a huge picture of President Bush.

In sports, rookie racing sensation Danica Patrick had a great debut at the Indianapolis 500. She was leading with just seven laps to go, but ended up finishing fourth. Englishman Dan Wheldon passed her to win his first Indy 500 title. And she overcame a lot to come in fourth.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: That's a look at the latest headlines for you this morning.

Throughout this Memorial Day, CNN remembers those who lost their lives in war and the families they left behind.

Soledad is here with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Soledad.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.

And, in fact, this Memorial Day, hundreds of children of fallen troops are gathering in Washington, D.C. They're part of a program. It's called Camp Good Grief, and it helps military children cope with the death of their parents. This morning, we're going to talk to one family that's taking part.

Also just moments ago, you were talking about Danica Patrick. Well, she's going to join us live this morning. As you mentioned, she failed in her try to become the first woman ever to win the Indy 500 on Sunday, but had a great showing, still managed to break a record, in fact. Lots of pressure on the 23-year-old driver. We're going to talk to her -- I'm having trouble speaking. We're going to talk to her about the pressure and ask her what she plans to do next.

That's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour -- Carol.

COSTELLO: There's a lot of pollen in the air.

O'BRIEN: I know. I'm struggling.

COSTELLO: Rob Marciano is feeling your pain, because he's suffering from the same ailment, I think. But we'll see you in 10 minutes.

O'BRIEN: OK, we'll see you then.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Soledad.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, 1,100 hints have come in from around the world, and one of them might be leading somewhere. An update on the case of the silent piano man, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's 6:52 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.

Several Memorial Day ceremonies will be held, including a French one. American World War II veterans will be awarded the French Legion of Honor in Washington. It's in remembrance of all of the American troops who gave their lives for the liberation of France.

Former President Bill Clinton is back in Indonesia. He's being briefed on reconstruction efforts in the tsunami-devastated Aceh province.

And today, a new Miss Universe will be crowned. The ladies have been rehearsing for several days now. The world's most beautiful women are in Thailand, vying for the coveted title. The pageant -- those aren't women! There they are. The pageant is tonight.

Remember the piano man? British police and social workers say they're still not sure who he is, despite a new claim. We told you about him recently after he showed up on a beach in southern England wearing a soaking wet suit and tie. He seems to have lost his memory, but can play the piano like nobody's business.

Britain's "Daily Mail" published photos yesterday that may confirm claims the man is the classically-trained Czech musician Tomas Strnad. The pictures are the man as a teenaged keyboard player. The paper says there's an uncanny resemblance to Strnad the piano man. We'll keep you posted.

It's time to give away our DAYBREAK coffee -- you know, you can tell it's a holiday weekend, can't you, Rob? ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Why is that? Do you not have the mug handy? Because I think Chad took the mug with him, wherever -- there's no mug here.

COSTELLO: Hey, if he doesn't lock that mug up, people steal it.

MARCIANO: It's very popular.

COSTELLO: Because it's such a coveted item.

MARCIANO: And should we give one away?

COSTELLO: I think so.

MARCIANO: This could be the height of the show.

COSTELLO: Oh, here's one.

MARCIANO: In order to -- that's good looking right there.

All right, here were Friday's questions. How many people will travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, according to the AAA? The answer to that question is 31.1 million people. The second question: Name two VIPs whose personal information was posted on a Virginia watchdog Web site? The answer -- we talked about four VIPs. It was Colin Powell, Jeb Bush, Tom DeLay and Porter Goss.

The winner is Mark Lytle from Rochester, Washington. How about that? A West Coaster getting up with us early on Friday to nail that information.

All right, here is today's quiz. And tune in for the answers tomorrow and see if you won. But you have to answer these two correctly.

Number one, how much is FedEx going to start charging for delivery confirmation? And the second question, what city has the roughest roads?

Submit your answers online. The answer needs to be correct. And send it to CNN.com/daybreak. Find out tomorrow morning if you won right here at the same time. And Chad will be back tomorrow.

COSTELLO: Yes, he will. And I'm excited to hear how the baby fared on the plane.

MARCIANO: Oh, that's going to be interesting.

COSTELLO: Think he'll tell the truth? He'll say, oh, he was perfectly well-behaved.

MARCIANO: He'll sugarcoat it somehow.

COSTELLO: I think so.

When we come back, more headlines and a look at your travel forecast. You're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: "Now in the News."

U.S. and Iraqi forces are gearing up for a major offensive against the insurgency. Operation Lightening is expected to be the largest operation since the fall of Saddam. Forty thousand Iraqi soldiers and police, backed up by 10,000 U.S. troops, will set up more than 600 checkpoints and conduct house-to-house searches.

Two homes, six bodies, six people found shot to death in neighboring homes outside the central Ohio city of Bellefontaine. Police think it's a murder-suicide. They plan to reveal more later this morning.

Houston, Texas, is hoping to dry out from heavy thunderstorms that caused widespread street flooding, power outages and property damage. One building collapsed in the storm, injuring two people. And lightening is believed to have ignited an apartment fire. Hopefully all is calm this morning.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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 30, 2005 - 06:31   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello.
"Now in the News."

The casualty count is on the rise in Iraq. At least 27 people are now confirmed dead in a pair of suicide bombings today south of Baghdad. Many of the victims were Iraqi police officers. At least 118 other people were wounded in coordinated explosions.

Is there a lack of unity in the European Union? Yes, there is this morning. French voters have rejected the union's proposed constitution. President Jacques Chirac had strongly urged approval. But critics say a yes vote would have diminished France's national identity.

Two U.S. citizens face a judge tomorrow on charges of conspiring to help al Qaeda. The FBI arrested a Florida doctor and a New York martial arts expert over the weekend. Authorities say they conspired to treat and train terrorists.

To the forecast center now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: From music to motorcycles to memories. The Memorial Day weekend has seen a series of tributes to military men and women.

The Marine Corps' anthem rang out in Washington, and thousands of people sang along at the annual Memorial Day concert on Capitol Hill.

Also, Donald Rumsfeld joined a big gang of bikers this weekend. He spoke to the Rolling Thunder rally, an annual biker event supporting veterans' rights.

And earlier, thousands of bikers rolled down the Washington streets revving their Hogs and proving why they call it Rolling Thunder. The bikers have been staging the rally since 1988.

And President Bush will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns later this morning. Of course, we will bring you live coverage. That starts at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.

Those ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns are conducted by the Old Guard. They're the oldest active-duty infantry unit, as well as the nation's Honor Guard. CNN national correspondent Bruce Morton takes a look at one of their most lasting traditions.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Charlie Company, 3rd Infantry Regiment's the Old Guard. They are in Arlington Cemetery doing what they do every Memorial Day: putting flags in front of the tombstones here. The flag is planted one foot, one soldier's foot, in front of the stone.

Aaron Nelson, 23, from Hibbing, Minnesota, says the spring rains that have softened the grounds made it easier this year.

PFC AARON NELSON, MEMBER OF THE OLD GUARD: Countless war heroes are buried throughout the cemetery. I mean, even just putting a flag in them is just a small honor. And that's one thing that I like to -- that's one thing that I'm able to do for them.

MORTON: They train for combat, too, here firing the anti-armor Javelin missile. But they are the Old Guard. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns. It gets flags, too.

This is a new grave, no stone yet, but a flag. They're the Honor Guard at the funerals here.

Aaron Nelson likes the Army, but he'd only seen one funeral before he joined. And the ones here, he says, are not easy duty.

NELSON: You have to see the family. You have to see, you know, the wife, the children, you know, just babies that are left. And they -- they don't even know what's going on, you know? And they are left with no father, no mother. I mean, it's sad to see that. It's something that you don't want to see, to see 8-year-old girls crying. It's just not a sight that should be seen.

MORTON: The work goes on flag by flag, row by row. The 1,100 men of the Old Guard will plant more than 280,000 flags this day.

And, finally, as the day wanes, the work is done, Aaron Nelson and the other men of Charlie Company can head home now. The cemetery, full of memories, full of grief and pain and honor, rests now, ready for Memorial Day.

Bruce Morton, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: CNN's special Memorial Day coverage continues on "AMERICAN MORNING," where General Richard Myers will be a guest. That comes your way at 7:00 a.m. Eastern.

Today marks two weeks since two Idaho children went missing. Authorities are hoping new pictures of 9-year-old Dylan Groene and his 8-year-old sister, Shasta, will help crack the case. The children's mother, brother and their mother's boyfriend were found dead at their home. Authorities say they still have no motive or suspects.

In case you missed them, here are highlights from this past weekend. Atlanta police arrested a man who spent about 57 hours perched atop a construction crane. Carl Roland is wanted in Florida in the beating death of his ex-girlfriend. Police stun-gunned Roland early Saturday after luring him closer to them by offering him some water.

Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone was released from a California jail Saturday. He was arrested in Beverly Hills the night before on suspicion of drug possession and driving while drunk. Stone agreed to enter rehab in 1999 after a similar arrest.

And finally, he thought Green Acres was the place to be. Actor Eddie Albert died at the age of 97. He was best known for the sitcom "Green Acres," in which he played a city slicker who moves to the country.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, feel like you're navigating a mine field on your way to work every day? America's roads have a repair problem, and it's costing you. We'll tell you how much.

Also ahead, a new lead in the case of the mystery piano man.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: I know a lot of you hit the road this weekend. Is your car OK? I ask you that because the state of our nation's roadways is not the best. According to a new study, 1 in 4 miles of our roadways is substandard, and it costs each of us $400 a year.

Live to Washington and Frank Moretti. He is with The Road Information Program, or TRIP.

Good morning.

FRANK MORETTI, ROAD INFORMATION PROGRAM: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: First, define for us "substandard roadways."

MORETTI: These are pavement conditions that as you're driving across them you sense more vibration on your vehicle. You sense the vehicle is under more stress. And it is, because the rougher the shape the roads are in, the harder the car has to work. And in the long run, that means that the car is going to start to fall apart that much more quickly.

COSTELLO: We know what that's about. You have a list of the cities with the roughest rides. We want to go down the list right now, if we could put the graphic up: Kansas City, San Jose, Saint Louis, Los Angeles, and San Francisco-Oakland. So, tell us how much worse the roadways are in these cities than in others.

MORETTI: Well, in each of these areas, you're going to be much more likely to be driving on roads that are either older roads that have pavements that need to be resurfaced long ago, and unfortunately the state of the local governments have been unable to do it. And so, again, your vehicles are under a lot more stress. And if you look at both of those states, those are states that have acknowledged in recent years have not been able to adequately fund the type of improvements that these roadways need.

COSTELLO: Why haven't they been able to fund road repair?

MORETTI: Well, what we've seen over the last five years in particular is after a period when things generally were improving is that state governments ran into a lot of fiscal problems. In California, over a billion dollars a year of highway taxes were being used for other purposes. The same thing in Missouri, although just last year Missouri voters made sure in a referendum that the highway taxes that they're paying now go to fix the roads.

COSTELLO: So, they're actually creating laws prohibiting money from being diverted from highway construction problems -- or projects, rather.

MORETTI: That's right. Also Governor Schwarzenegger has announced this year in his budget proposal that money would go strictly to fix the roads, and that money cannot be diverted. So, those are recognition, I think, that they realize they've got a problem. Pavements are getting worse. And it needs to be addressed, not only by states but also out of Washington.

COSTELLO: As far as damage to our cars, you say it's costing us $400 a year. How did you come up with that?

MORETTI: Every year we take a look at AAA's figures in terms of what it costs to maintain a vehicle. Then, we look at data that shows that vehicle deterioration accelerates significantly when pavements are in poor condition. Quite simply, vehicles wear out that much more quickly. They also burn more fuel, which also have environmental consequences.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Frank Moretti, thanks for joining DAYBREAK on this Memorial Day. We certainly appreciate it.

MORETTI: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Listen to this: If your car doesn't start, then you may be too drunk to drive. That's the premise behind a Florida man's invention. He's testing a $600 steering wheel sensor that will check your skin to see if you've consumed too much alcohol. If you have, your car won't start. Can't steer it.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, an alternative rock band finds itself in a hot political mess.

More news in a moment. But first, it's time to say happy birthday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Now to our market report. The international markets are in positive territory this morning. Japan's Nikkei closes up 74 points. The German DAX up nearly 26 points. Markets are closed for the holidays in Britain and also, of course, here in the United States.

Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 6:46 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

The casualty count in Iraq has just gone up to 27 dead, 118 injured. Many of those killed or wounded were police officers. Authorities say two suicide bombers wearing explosive-packed vests blew themselves up outside of government buildings in Hilla, which is south of Baghdad.

In money news, southerners, it is your turn. Beginning tomorrow, people who live in the South may order free copies of their credit report. It's part of the federal law that's been gradually phased in nationwide since last year.

In culture, alternative rock band Nine Inch Nails will not play as planned at the upcoming MTV movie awards. They pulled out when the network said they could not play in front of a huge picture of President Bush.

In sports, rookie racing sensation Danica Patrick had a great debut at the Indianapolis 500. She was leading with just seven laps to go, but ended up finishing fourth. Englishman Dan Wheldon passed her to win his first Indy 500 title. And she overcame a lot to come in fourth.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: That's a look at the latest headlines for you this morning.

Throughout this Memorial Day, CNN remembers those who lost their lives in war and the families they left behind.

Soledad is here with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning -- Soledad.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Carol, good morning to you.

And, in fact, this Memorial Day, hundreds of children of fallen troops are gathering in Washington, D.C. They're part of a program. It's called Camp Good Grief, and it helps military children cope with the death of their parents. This morning, we're going to talk to one family that's taking part.

Also just moments ago, you were talking about Danica Patrick. Well, she's going to join us live this morning. As you mentioned, she failed in her try to become the first woman ever to win the Indy 500 on Sunday, but had a great showing, still managed to break a record, in fact. Lots of pressure on the 23-year-old driver. We're going to talk to her -- I'm having trouble speaking. We're going to talk to her about the pressure and ask her what she plans to do next.

That's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour -- Carol.

COSTELLO: There's a lot of pollen in the air.

O'BRIEN: I know. I'm struggling.

COSTELLO: Rob Marciano is feeling your pain, because he's suffering from the same ailment, I think. But we'll see you in 10 minutes.

O'BRIEN: OK, we'll see you then.

COSTELLO: Thank you, Soledad.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, 1,100 hints have come in from around the world, and one of them might be leading somewhere. An update on the case of the silent piano man, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's 6:52 Eastern. Here is what will be making news today.

Several Memorial Day ceremonies will be held, including a French one. American World War II veterans will be awarded the French Legion of Honor in Washington. It's in remembrance of all of the American troops who gave their lives for the liberation of France.

Former President Bill Clinton is back in Indonesia. He's being briefed on reconstruction efforts in the tsunami-devastated Aceh province.

And today, a new Miss Universe will be crowned. The ladies have been rehearsing for several days now. The world's most beautiful women are in Thailand, vying for the coveted title. The pageant -- those aren't women! There they are. The pageant is tonight.

Remember the piano man? British police and social workers say they're still not sure who he is, despite a new claim. We told you about him recently after he showed up on a beach in southern England wearing a soaking wet suit and tie. He seems to have lost his memory, but can play the piano like nobody's business.

Britain's "Daily Mail" published photos yesterday that may confirm claims the man is the classically-trained Czech musician Tomas Strnad. The pictures are the man as a teenaged keyboard player. The paper says there's an uncanny resemblance to Strnad the piano man. We'll keep you posted.

It's time to give away our DAYBREAK coffee -- you know, you can tell it's a holiday weekend, can't you, Rob? ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Why is that? Do you not have the mug handy? Because I think Chad took the mug with him, wherever -- there's no mug here.

COSTELLO: Hey, if he doesn't lock that mug up, people steal it.

MARCIANO: It's very popular.

COSTELLO: Because it's such a coveted item.

MARCIANO: And should we give one away?

COSTELLO: I think so.

MARCIANO: This could be the height of the show.

COSTELLO: Oh, here's one.

MARCIANO: In order to -- that's good looking right there.

All right, here were Friday's questions. How many people will travel by car this Memorial Day weekend, according to the AAA? The answer to that question is 31.1 million people. The second question: Name two VIPs whose personal information was posted on a Virginia watchdog Web site? The answer -- we talked about four VIPs. It was Colin Powell, Jeb Bush, Tom DeLay and Porter Goss.

The winner is Mark Lytle from Rochester, Washington. How about that? A West Coaster getting up with us early on Friday to nail that information.

All right, here is today's quiz. And tune in for the answers tomorrow and see if you won. But you have to answer these two correctly.

Number one, how much is FedEx going to start charging for delivery confirmation? And the second question, what city has the roughest roads?

Submit your answers online. The answer needs to be correct. And send it to CNN.com/daybreak. Find out tomorrow morning if you won right here at the same time. And Chad will be back tomorrow.

COSTELLO: Yes, he will. And I'm excited to hear how the baby fared on the plane.

MARCIANO: Oh, that's going to be interesting.

COSTELLO: Think he'll tell the truth? He'll say, oh, he was perfectly well-behaved.

MARCIANO: He'll sugarcoat it somehow.

COSTELLO: I think so.

When we come back, more headlines and a look at your travel forecast. You're watching DAYBREAK for a Monday.

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COSTELLO: "Now in the News."

U.S. and Iraqi forces are gearing up for a major offensive against the insurgency. Operation Lightening is expected to be the largest operation since the fall of Saddam. Forty thousand Iraqi soldiers and police, backed up by 10,000 U.S. troops, will set up more than 600 checkpoints and conduct house-to-house searches.

Two homes, six bodies, six people found shot to death in neighboring homes outside the central Ohio city of Bellefontaine. Police think it's a murder-suicide. They plan to reveal more later this morning.

Houston, Texas, is hoping to dry out from heavy thunderstorms that caused widespread street flooding, power outages and property damage. One building collapsed in the storm, injuring two people. And lightening is believed to have ignited an apartment fire. Hopefully all is calm this morning.

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COSTELLO: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Carol Costello. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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