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CNN Live Saturday

Vietnamese Woman Lives American Dream.

Aired December 29, 2001 - 17:22   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.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: A Vietnamese woman is finally able to say that she has lived her American dream. Tricia Takasugi of CNN's affiliate station KTTV has the story of long-awaited freedom float and its price tag.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TRICIA TAKASUGI, KTTV REPORTER (voice-over): For Madalenna Lai every seed and flower she places on this float brings her one step closer to fulfilling her long-time dream.

MADALENNA LAI: The United States take care of us, so when the first, I see the Rose Parade in 1977, I thought in my mind, one day, I gave -- I will do one float to say thank you, America.

TAKASUGI: Madalenna says she has never giving up wanting to show her appreciation to United States ever since she and her and family fled Vietnam in 1975.

LAI: I tried since 1994, every year, every single year. I go to Rose Parade and I say, please, give me a float to say thank you, America.

TAKASUGI: Well this year, her organization, Vietnamese Cultural House, was finally selected to be in the parade. There was only one small problem: the cost -- $100,000. Madalenna Lai then made an unthinkable sacrifice.

LAI: I decided to sell my home. I asked my husband, honey, can I sell the home for the Rose Parade, and my husband, he know, he knows my dream.

TAKASUGI: The Lai's sold this 4-bedroom home within 24 hours. And used the net proceeds for the 40,000 dollar deposit needed for the float. LAI: After I sold my home, I wrote to my business, I am living in there. I live in beauty school.

TAKASUGI: This float carries with it even more significance. For first time in the history of the Tournament of Roses Parade the Vietnamese culture and community will be represented for all of the world to see.

LISA RANDOLPH, VIETNAMESE CULTURE HOUSE: We come here bare handed, with the education and the support of, you know, the United States. It helps all of us.

TAKASUGI: At last Madalenna Lai proudly places her heart-felt message at the head of the float.

LAI: Thank you, America and the world.

TAKASUGI: Tricia Takasugi, Fox 11 News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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