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Unique Naturalization Ceremony; Obama Presses Bush on Economic Crisis; Small Business Struggles; Intrepid Rededication

Aired November 11, 2008 - 12:00   ET

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

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush marking his last Veterans Day as commander in chief of the U.S. military. The president in New York right now paying tribute to the nation's veterans. He is taking parts in the rededication of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The president is honoring those who served on the World War II aircraft carrier, and all veterans past and present.
The president-elect -- when the president begins his remarks, which is -- it looks to be right now. Can we get that live shot back?

(APPLAUSE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sir, she said she loves you. Lance Corporal...

HARRIS: All right. We will take you back to the deck of the Intrepid in just a couple of minutes when the president begins his remarks.

It is a tradition on Veterans Day, the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Ceremony. Vice President Dick Cheney placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. In a speech, Cheney praised the men and women who wear the nation's uniform and those who have served in the past.

You know, it is a special day for soldiers who are now officially becoming American citizens. One hundred thirty-two Marines and sailors are being sworn in onboard the USS Midway in San Diego. What a day.

CNN's Chris Lawrence is there for this unique naturalization ceremony.

Chris, good to see you.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Tony.

Yes, we are onboard, on top of the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum, where the ceremony is going to start any minute. And this really -- this ceremony speaks to the incredible diversity of the armed services.

Here behind me there are about 133 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who will be taking the oath of allegiance today. Many of them have already served in Iraq. We've got a couple who have already been awarded not one but two Purple Hearts. One of the sailors who has been in the Navy now for 20 years just now taking the oath of citizenship.

And when I talk about that diversity, 35 countries, 35, are represented here today, from Ghana to Guatemala, Venezuela to Vietnam, Egypt and the Middle East, and Kenya and Africa. It really speaks to the diversity of the U.S. armed forces.

Last year, about 7,000 to 8,000 service members were sworn in, naturalized as citizens. And since the war on terror began, 46,000 service members have been naturalized.

Again, just an incredible scene. I asked one of the young Marines, you know, "Why now?" He's from Mexico, he's been in the United States as a permanent resident for about 10 years, and he had been in the Marine Corps about seven. And after three tours in Iraq, I asked him, you know, "Why now?"

He said, "You know, it's the difference between renting an apartment and owning the house." He said, "After today, I think I'm going to feel more like I'm owning the house" -- Tony.

HARRIS: That's pretty special.

All right. Chris Lawrence for us this morning.

Chris, good to see you. Thank you.

To financial news now. AIG, the insurance company receiving billions in bailouts, is under fire for a conference being held at a luxury resort. What are company officials saying about all of this?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, very quickly now we want to get you to Jessica Yellin. She is in Chicago with President-elect Obama.

And Jessica, if you would, I understand you've got some more information on a bit of a flavor of yesterday's discussion between President Bush and President-elect Obama?

JESSICA YELLIN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Tony.

We're told that Barack Obama, first of all, thought that the meeting was very, very cordial and pleasant. President Bush very gracious in welcoming him. But they did hit on some of these meatiest issues that are facing the country right now, the economic crisis.

And Barack Obama, we're told, did press President Bush to support more efforts, invigorated efforts, to get the auto industry out of this slump. And specifically to speed up, accelerate that $25 billion that's been approved to go to it, to look at other ways that the leaders of government could be used to help create jobs or prevent them from losing jobs in the short term, and help transition to more economical cars and more economical systems in the future.

We're also told that, of course, he pressed President Bush on the economic stimulus plan. You know that's been a point of tension. President Bush resisting Congress' efforts to pass a new stimulus plan. The Democratic Congress and Barack Obama want one, although there's some disagreement about what should go in it.

And Barack Obama pressed President Bush on both those issues, while President Bush, in turn, pressed Barack Obama to support the Colombia free trade deal, an initiative that's been very important to President Bush since he took office. You'll recall when he came into office, at the very beginning, pre-9/11, he vowed to improve U.S. relations with Central and Latin America and Mexico. 9/11 sort of took his agenda in a different direction, and he's trying to shore up some of that before he leaves office.

Now, this was not described to me as a tit-for-tat. In other words, you support free trade in exchange for my support on autos and the economic stimulus. These were just described to me as two agenda items the men raised to one another. Already, the Obama team has made it clear that they do not want those two items linked and don't think they should be -- Tony.

HARRIS: Got you.

And one other note, Jessica. How is the president-elect observing Veterans Day?

YELLIN: Today he's going to -- he's laid a wreath in honor of veterans with Tammy Duckworth, and we are expecting to get video of that any time now, which we will share with you. And then he's having a down day to work privately.

HARRIS: All right. Jessica Yellin in Chicago for us.

Jessica, thank you.

You know, running a restaurant certainly isn't easy in the difficult economic times. What's the best recipe for survival?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, there is new anger and suspicion focused on the taxpayer bailout of insurance giant AIG today. CNN affiliate KNXV reports a number of senior execs from AIG were at a posh resort in Phoenix last week. The station says AIG took considerable steps to disguise its conference, making sure there were no AIG signs or logos. A resort employee told KNXV they were told not even to say "AIG."

Just yesterday, the government repackaged the AIG bailout, pushing the cost to $150 billion. Now one congressman wants the new CEO fired.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. ELIJAH CUMMINGS (D), MARYLAND: These guys, they don't get it. And they came to us basically saying, we are on the critical list, we need a respirator. And we bail them out, and the next thing you know, we turn around and they're going out partying and spending taxpayers' dollars. And it's kind of -- it's very upsetting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Well, AIG says hold on a minute. It says sponsors will reimburse most of the $343,000 conference expenses. A spokesman also says no top AIG execs were in Phoenix, despite our affiliate's report otherwise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NICK ASHOOH, SR. VP COMMUNICATIONS, AIG: We certainly have done some things in the past that have been worthy of criticism, but this one's really been mischaracterized. This was a conference for independent financial planners, they're not AIG employees.

We had a few employees there to put it on, but these are people who sell our products. Most of the cost, over 90 of the cost, was paid for by the attendees or by sponsors, and these are people who sell an awful lot of business for us, which is very important for us to stay healthy and pay back our loan from the U.S. government.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Misgivings about AIG money surfaced after the initial bailout was announced in September. That's when AIG spent close to $500,000 on a California retreat.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland making a sober stop in Wilmington, Ohio, today. The trip just a day after DHL Express announced 9,500 jobs would be cut at its Wilmington hub. Strickland is talking with town leaders and promising jobless benefits will be available, at least for now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. TED STRICKLAND (D), OHIO: Unemployment compensation will be available to those who lose their jobs. But quite frankly, Ohio and many other states are finding it difficult to continue to provide those resources. We have been able to here in Ohio, but it is very likely that before too long, because of this set of circumstances and others, that we may have to be going to the federal government for loans.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Wow.

DHL Express is the principal employer in Wilmington, a town of about 12,000 people. The job cuts will come in January.

The housing crisis, it is a story we know all too well at this point. But now Citigroup is taking a big step aimed at keeping hundreds of thousands of people from losing their homes.

(BUSINESS REPORT) HARRIS: So, the banks are starting to take care of homeowners, but what about small businesses? So many of them are in trouble right now, like restaurants.

We're checking in with an entrepreneur. You met her just a couple of months ago, Monique Hayward, who owns Dessert Noir Cafe and Bar in Beaverton, Oregon.

Monique, it's good to see you again. When did we talk to you last? Was it a couple of months ago?

MONIQUE HAYWARD, RESTAURANT OWNER: Actually, it was on October 3rd. So about a month or so ago.

HARRIS: See how the time is just flying and...

HAYWARD: The time just flies.

HARRIS: ... running together? And I just can't figure it out anymore.

Monique, good to see you again.

HAYWARD: Good to see you.

HARRIS: You know, when we talked to you in October -- give us an update on how your business is doing since last we spoke with you.

HAYWARD: Well, when we last spoke, we talked about how consumers have been pulling back on spending, and we are definitely still seeing that trend. And what has been really driving it is just what happened with the Starbucks announcement, it's happening with us.

When people do come, they are spending less money. They're kind of moving down menu. They're also coming out in big groups and ordering bunches of appetizers and small plates. And at the end of the day, splitting the check.

HARRIS: Yes. Well, Monique, we're in the fourth quarter. How does the fourth quarter of this year stack up for you, kind of year to year?

HAYWARD: Well, the first couple of months of the quarter have been pretty slow for us. In fact, September and October were the worst two months that I've had in my business. And -- but I'm anticipating that November and December are going to pull through, mainly because...

HARRIS: Wow. Is that your cafe there that we're looking at? That's nice.

HAYWARD: Well, thank you. I appreciate that.

HARRIS: Fancy. Wow. That is -- what is that, a little-- well, it's Noir. That's beautiful.

How have you modified -- sorry. I just...

HAYWARD: No, that's OK. We can digress a little bit. I appreciate that.

HARRIS: I'm sorry. It's beautiful there.

HAYWARD: Thank you.

HARRIS: You were talking about what you expect over the holidays.

HAYWARD: Yes. I'm anticipating that in the holidays, it will actually be better for us than in recent months, mainly because, first of all, with the election behind us, that's one less thing for people to be uncertain about.

And then I think people are feeling a little festive and they are going to still do their holiday parties. They may do them a little bit smaller, a little bit cheaper. But I still think that people are going to come out.

Also, my business is located right next to a 16-screen multiplex theater. And with the Bond movie coming out this weekend, the start of the holiday movie season...

HARRIS: Look at you.

HAYWARD: ... I think that we're going to see people coming out as movies are still considered cheap entertainment.

HARRIS: Let's be strategic. Got to always -- speaking of which, how have you sort of modified your business? Have you changed your plan at all? What are you doing to stay competitive?

HAYWARD: Well, first of all, I'm focusing on the things that I can control within the four walls of Dessert Noir Cafe and Bar.

HARRIS: There you go.

HAYWARD: I'm not terribly concerned at this point about the banks and the economy and the stock market, because I have no control over that. I'm concentrating on being more efficient.

HARRIS: I'm assuming you really don't need money, but if you really did need money...

HAYWARD: Why do you assume that I don't need any money?

HARRIS: Because that's a beautiful establishment and I know you run a first-class operation. Right, Monique?

HAYWARD: Yes. I still need some cash though, Tony.

HARRIS: I heard that. If you needed cash, can you now go to the bank and maybe get an extension on your credit line or maybe a new line? HAYWARD: No.

HARRIS: No?

HAYWARD: I am not in a position where I can go to a bank right now. In fact, I just had a conversation with one of my Visa card companies to try to extend a credit line from $7,000 to $10,000, just to get a little bit of a cushion, and they declined it. We're talking $3,000.

HARRIS: Are you kidding? Well, what do you do? And maybe you were getting to that just a moment ago...

HAYWARD: Sure.

HARRIS: ... and what you're doing to sort of stay competitive.

HAYWARD: Yes. Well, I'm hustling. That's the first thing I'm doing.

We are getting more efficient. We're cutting costs. And trying to get the most out of my staff. And making sure that they stay productive and that their morale stays high.

And the other thing that I'm doing is trying to keep the business visible with customers and getting out there and spreading the word. And I'm also trying to spread the word about the plight of small businesses and doing -- if "Joe the Plumber" was actually legitimate, he would have been doing this, right? Like actually getting the word out about small businesses and what's going on with us for real. Definitely.

HARRIS: Look at you being political. Will you stop that? You just stop that, Monique!

HAYWARD: Hey, it's political year.

HARRIS: All right. Let's show the shot of Monique and Morgan Freeman here at -- there's your -- oh, isn't that lovely? You have a Web site, right?

HAYWARD: Yes. It's dessertnoir.com.

HARRIS: Well, we're trying to help every small business in America, one at a time. Pretty ambitious, huh?

Monique, good to see you again.

HAYWARD: Yes, good to see you too. Thank you very much for having me back. And I hope that...

HARRIS: Oh, come on. Our pleasure. We'll check in with you in another quarter.

HAYWARD: Yes. We'll check in again. Thanks.

HARRIS: All right. Thanks, Monique.

Gas prices are falling. If everybody starts driving again, what's the long-term solution to our energy fix? That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: OK. Here's the good news. Gas prices way down. The bad news, that could mean a return of gas guzzlers and a new appetite for the open road.

Could a gas tax be the answer?

CNNMoney.com's Poppy Harlow has our "Energy Fix" from New York.

Hi, Poppy.

POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM: Hi there, Tony.

Well, you know, when gas prices were more than $4 a gallon over the summer, Americans drove less, they stopped buying those gas- guzzling SUVs. But now gas prices have fallen to a national average of $2.20 a gallon. But there are signs that that trend now is reversing.

The question, could the Hummer make a comeback? Maybe.

One possible solution, a $1 increase in the gas tax that we all currently pay. That would ensure that gas prices stay above $3 a gallon. A lot of Americans do not want to hear anything about that.

The benefits, though, would Americans drive less? There's less stress on our roads and our bridges. Greenhouse gases are reduced. Less of our money ends up going overseas to OPEC and other oil- producing nations. Also, curbing consumption now may help prevent some pain down the road when the economy turns around by boosting oil supply and keeping our prices in check.

But you know what, Tony? I don't think anyone wants to hear about more expensive gas.

HARRIS: No. Not at all. I've got to tell you, in this economy, you mentioned the idea of a tax.

HARLOW: Right.

HARRIS: I can't imagine that would be popular right now.

HARLOW: Anything but popular. And that's why you don't hear the politicians calling for it. I don't think anyone is on the political end. But some economists and a lot of environmentalists are certainly making their case for it.

They point out raising gas prices by $1 would still result in lower prices than we saw over the summer. They also say it could be offset with, this is interesting, a reduction in payroll taxes that would encourage jobs and hiring and discourage driving. Other economists feel the government should attack it another way by promoting alternative fuels. They say the government should demand that U.S. automakers build flex-fuel vehicles all as a part of that $25 billion industry bailout that is already in the works.

You know the automakers are asking for billions and billions of more assistance from the government. By the way, none of the politicians contacted by CNN said they would support a gas tax. I wonder why.

It's really interesting. Our writer Steve Hargreaves has a piece on this on our site right now. Check it out. That's at CNNMoney.com.

And Tony, the responses he's gotten are astounding. We're going to try to bring some of those to you at 2:00.

HARRIS: Yes. Would you, please? Appreciate it.

HARLOW: We'll try.

HARRIS: Boy, if you're going to take the help from the federal government, you may have to take the conditions and you may not like it.

HARLOW: That's exactly right.

HARRIS: Poppy, good to see you. Thank you.

Barack Obama has made is clear that stability in Pakistan is important to America's security. What changes can we expect in this volatile region?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, want to take you to the New York Stock Exchange now and give you a look at the Big Board.

I'm just trying to figure out what is driving this today. We're about three hours into the trading day, and boy, we're off of session lows just a bit here. But it is a down day, been a down morning.

Just clicked on to CNNMoney.com, and it just -- the headline here is "Wall Street's Recession Jitters." Just worries about a global economic slowdown.

So there you see it. The Dow down 295 points.

Let's take to you New York right now and the Veterans Day ceremony and rededication ceremony of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. President Bush making remarks.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

(APPLAUSE)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Thank you for the warm welcome. Be seated.

Charles and Rich, thanks a lot. I gratefully accept the Freedom Award, and I'm honored to be with you today as we rededicate a great monument to freedom, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

At this ceremony we recognize nearly 55,000 Americans who served aboard the USS Intrepid, including some who are here today. And we commemorate Veterans Day by honoring all those who have worn the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.

Thank you for serving our great nation.

(APPLAUSE)

I am proud to be traveling with the first lady of the United States, Laura Bush, the most patient woman in America.

(APPLAUSE)

Governor, thank you for joining us.

Secretary Kempthorne, Senator Hillary Clinton, I'm proud to be with you. Thank you for being here.

(APPLAUSE)

Congressman Pete King, Congressman Charlie Rangel, Congressman Anthony Weiner, thank you all for joining us today. Looking forward to that lame duck session, aren't we?

(LAUGHTER)

What an awesome guy General Jim Conway is, commandant of the United States Marine Corps and member of the Joint Chiefs.

(APPLAUSE)

Christine Quinn, thank you for your remarks.

Bill White, the Vanna White of the Intrepid, he's done...

(LAUGHTER)

Arnold Fisher and the Fisher family.

What a fabulous contribution the Fishers have made to the United States of America.

And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

(APPLAUSE)

John Rich, fellow Texan. John, tell them we're coming home and we're coming home with our heads held high.

Members of the Intrepid Museum and Foundation board of trustees, wounded warriors, you know, oftentimes they asked me, what are you going to miss about the presidency? And my first reaction is to say, no traffic jams in New York. The truth of the matter is, I will miss being the commander in chief of such a fabulous group of men and women. Those who wear the uniform of the United States military.

Veterans Day has a long and solemn history. An event that inspired (ph) took place 90 years ago today in a small railway car in a French forest. November the 11th, 1918, the allied powers and Germany signed an armistice that ended one of the bloodiest wars the world had ever witnessed.

By the time that day arrived, World War I had raged for more than four years and more than 8 million soldiers had given their lives. But on the 11th hour of the 11th day of that 11th month, the guns fell silent and peace began to return to Europe.

To commemorate the war's end, President Woodrow Wilson declared that November the 11th should be remembered as Armistice Day. A holiday to honor the great sacrifices of the American soldiers who defended democracy and freedom overseas.

Today we know it as Veterans Day. A day when we celebrate and thank and honor every man and woman who have served in our armed forces. These noble Americans are our sons and daughters. They are our fathers and mothers. They are our family and they are our friends. They leave home to do the work of patriots and they lead lives of quiet dignity when they return. Today, we send a clear message to all who have worn the uniform, thank you for your courage, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for standing up when your nation needed you most.

In the years since we began celebrating Veterans Day, America's armed forces have defended our freedom in many conflicts. And in those conflicts, they have often relied on the might of the USS Intrepid.

The great ship's keel was laid on December 1, 1941. Less than a week later, Pearl Harbor was attacked and America entered World War II.

In the years to come, as the United States Navy defended the freedom in the Pacific, the men of the Fighting I (ph) would be in the thick of the battle. The Intrepid participated in the invasion of the Marshall Islands. She played a key role in the amphibious assault on Okinawa.

She was part of one of the greatest sea battles in history, the battles of Leyte Gulf. That massive engagement American forces faced some of the most formidable elements of the Japanese navy. The Japanese fleet included the Yamato and the Musashi. These were the heaviest and the largest battleships ever constructed. The Imperial Navy approached the coast of the Philippines from three different directions and it was a fearsome challenge, but the men of this ship were ready.

The Intrepid's air group fought courageously and without rest. And by the time the battle ended three days later, the United States Navy had sunk the Musashi to the ocean floor and lifted (ph) hooks for victory in the Pacific.

The war ended the following year, but the Intrepid's mission did not end. As the United States raced into the new frontier of space, the Intrepid stood by to retrieve astronauts returning to earth.

During the Cord War, she patrolled the Mediterranean and helped forces surrender of pro-Castro terrorist whose had hijacked a freighter in the Caribbean. Did three tours off the waters of Vietnam.

For our nation's bicentennial celebration, the United States Congress paid a fitting tribute to this ship's extraordinary service when they selected the Intrepid to represent the United States Navy in Philadelphia. After more than 30 years at sea, the Intrepid was permanently decommissioned. Despite her amazing history, she was destined to be scrapped. And thanks to the work of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, she found a home in New York City.

Since 1982, she's been a museum that educates new generations of Americans about the high price that those who came before them paid for their freedom. One of the veterans who's been honored here was a Navy pilot who flew avenger torpedo planes during World War II. When he was invited onboard the Intrepid for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, he was moved to see that the museum had arranged for a vintage avenger, painted in the style of his unit, to be right here on the deck. It just so happens that it was flanked by two of the men who had flown in this squadron.

The man the Intrepid honored that day is a great American. He's a dedicated servant to this country. And I can tell you from personal experience, he's a fabulous father.

Even as a museum, the Intrepid still answered the call to service. Pretty certain most Americans don't understand what I'm about to tell you, but on September the 11th, when we came attack just a few blocks from here, the Intrepid was used as an emergency command center. First responders launched helicopters from the decks. It became clear that this ship, which helped defeat the great totalitarian threats of the 20th century, was front and center in the opening moments of a new struggle against the forces of hatred and fear.

War on terror has required courage. It has required resolve, equal to what previous generations of Americans brought to the fields of Europe and the deep waters of the Pacific. And I'm proud to report to my fellow citizens our armed forces, the armed forces of this generation, have showed up for the fight and America is more secure for it.

This morning, Laura and I flew up here with some brave men and women who are keeping up safe. I want to introduce them to you. Staff Sergeant Michael Noyce Merino, was the first national guardsman ever to be named the army's non-commissioned officer of year. Senior Airmen Alicia Goetschel, was named one of the Air Force's outstanding airmen of the year for her work in keeping dangerous extremists off the streets of Iraq. Chief Petty Officer Shenequa Cox, won several awards recognizing her as one of the Navy's finest sailors. Petty Officer First Class Chris Hutto, was honored as the Coast Guard's enlisted person of the year. And United States Marine Sergeant John Basilone's bravery earned him two purple hearts for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Where are my new pals? God bless you!

They are representatives of the finest our nation offers. And they have the support of strong and caring and loving families. And so on this Veterans Day, not only do we honor those who have worn the uniform, those who are wearing the uniform, we honor their families and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

We have a moral obligation to support our families and we have a moral obligation to support our veterans. It has been my privilege to work with members of the United States Congress to nearly double the funding for those who have worn the uniform. It has been my privilege to work to implement the recommendations from the Dole/Shalala Commission to make sure that we have a mental health care system and physical health care system worthy of the sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform.

It has been my privilege to work with the United States Congress to expand education benefits for both members of our military, as well as our veterans. It has been my privilege to say loud and clear to our veterans, we love you, we respect you, and we thank you for serving the United States of America.

And I love what the Intrepid Relief Fund and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund have done to support our veterans as well. It provided more than $100 million to military families in need. The Intrepid's Fisher House Program has provided temporary housing for families of service men and women receiving medical treatment.

At the Center for the Intrepid's Physical Rehabilitation Facility in San Antonio, Texas, America's wounded warriors received some incredible medical care. I have seen what happens in this place of healing and hope firsthand. The Intrepid Center brings great compassion to those who have worn and are wearing the uniform. It also shows that the American people are incredibly generous in supporting the veterans. And I want to thank the Intrepid members and those who support the Intrepid foundations for your work on behalf of our country.

Throughout the decades, our service men and women have shown a spirit of selfless courage. I was impressed by the story of Alonzo Swann who, on October 29, 1944, here on the deck of the Intrepid, had to help his fellow sailors deal with a kamikaze attack. He saw his best friend burning alive and caught in a gun mount. He rushed into the flames. He attempted to save his buddy. But before he could do so, an ammunition band detonated. Nine were killed, six injured, including Alonzo.

For his bravery, he was awarded the bronze star. It's a high honor. But a lot of folks didn't think it was a high enough honor. They felt he deserved the Navy cross. And many believe that he had been denied the Navy cross because of the color of his skin. He was an African-American. For 50 years, his advocates petitioned the government. And for 50 years they were unsuccessful. But he kept the faith. November 3, 1993, under the presidency of my predecessor, President Bill Clinton, right here on the deck of the Intrepid, Alonzo Swann finally received his Navy cross.

And I want people to listen to what he said. He said, "if you think you're right, fight your heart out." That ought to be the motto of the modern United States military. If you think you're right and you're fighting your heart out for the sake of peace and freedom, and we thank you for it.

Laura and I are honored to be here. We're honored to see this majestic place. I love the fact that parents can answer a child's question about why fight with this answer. These brave souls fought for freedom. They fought for liberty. And they fought to guarantee the rights given to us by our creator. And that has been the history of our armed forces. Great folks. The mightiest defenders of those unalienable rights. So on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank our veterans for your service, for your commitment. May God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

HARRIS: President Bush making remarks from New York Harbor, from the deck of the USS Intrepid on the rededication ceremony of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The president talking about the responsibility our nation has to support our veterans and their families.

I want to show you some pictures from just a short time ago into the CNN NEWSROOM. President-elect Barack Obama participating in a wreath-laying ceremony in Chicago at Soldier Field on Lake Shore Drive. With him, Iraq War Veteran Tammy Duckworth, who you will recall ran for a seat in Congress two years ago. She now works for the Veterans Affairs Department in Illinois. President-elect Barack Obama and Iraq War Veteran Tammy Duckworth.

She will be a guest, I understand, in the 2:00 p.m. Eastern hour with our Kyra Phillips.

When we come back, we will take you to Iraq and show you how Veterans Day is being honored, remembered there, in just a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Veterans Day in Iraq. No holiday for U.S. troops in the war zone. Live now to CNN's Arwa Damon in Baghdad.

And, Arwa, how is this Veterans Day being marked in Baghdad?

ARWA DAMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Tony, it's being pretty much marked like just about any other day. The mission here, you just mentioned, does continue. We're embedded with soldiers from the 1st Brigade of the Army's 4th Infantry Division and they tell us that by and large their role here has more from one of active combat into something of an over watch. That is they are over-watching the Iraqi security forces as they're trying to train them up to transition power over to them. And even though they have seen significant security gains on this deployment, still coming to Iraq, especially on multiple tours, does take its toll.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STAFF SGT. RAYMUNDO RODRIGUEZ, U.S. ARMY: Hey, give me guy here.

I came over here in 2005, November. And I'll admit, I was scared coming over, especially having a family back home.

DAMON (voice over): Twenty-three-years-old, Staff Sergeant Raymundo Rodriguez is among America's youngest war vets. Father of three on his second tour in Iraq.

RODRIGUEZ: It's a hard thing. When I did it the second time, coming back for this deployment, I kind of told myself not to get to attached towards the end. I kind of tried to slowly separate myself a little bit because I knew the day came, it would be harder for me to, you know, to get on that bus. That one last hug, that one last kiss and, you know, tell them I'll see you when I finish working

DAMON: It's a promise Rodriguez knows he may not keep. On his first tour, he was wounded when a suicide car bomber struck his convoy.

RODRIGUEZ: A vehicle, which was a white and orange vehicle, looked like some of the taxis that the Iraqis use, just came out of nowhere, pretty much detonated on our first vehicle.

DAMON: These are photos he keeps of the aftermath. Shrapnel flew into this turret.

RODRIGUEZ: When that was going on, all I felt was just sharp pains. But I told myself, you know, keep pulling your security. Keep the security on the convoy. And I started, you know, to feel something, you know, running down my neck. And then I felt, well, this is too heavy to be sweat. This is to heavy to be water.

DAMON: His wounds, luckily, were minor.

RODRIGUEZ: I have had dreams where I, you know, found myself reliving that day that happened when I got hit with the -- our convoy got hit with the suicide bomb. But other than that, not really any nightmares. Just try to blur it out. Try to blur it out and not think of it. This is a new deployment and I've got to focus on what's going on now.

DAMON: He has been more fortunate than others that came here. America has lost over 4,000 men and women in this war.

RODRIGUEZ: Definitely appreciate, you know, waking up every morning. Waking up every morning knowing I get another day. A lot of people take it for granted and then, when they're gone, you can't make up for it. (END VIDEOTAPE)

DAMON: And that, Tony, is the sentiment that's echoed by pretty much everyone, especially on this Veterans Day.

HARRIS: All right, Arwa, appreciate it. Thank you.

Let's take you back to New York Harbor now. President Bush, I understand, is about to lay a wreath with a couple of pretty famous astronauts right now. Oh, I hope we didn't miss it. OK. Let's stay with this shot for just a couple of moments. The president, obviously, in New York Harbor to take part in the ceremony. The rededication of the Intrepid Space and Air Museum. And there you have it.

A quick break. We're back in just a moment.

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HARRIS: OK. Let's get you to Chad Myers in the weather center.

And, Chad, what do you think, should we give the folks in the Northeast a bit of a heads up about some -- that four-letter word coming?

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HARRIS: Nice. All right, Chad, appreciate it.

A quick break and Kyra Phillips in the CNN NEWSROOM.

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