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CNN Live At Daybreak

July Fourth Has New Special Meaning to New Yorkers, Americans

Aired July 05, 2002 - 06:51   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: In case you're still a little groggy, is it the morning after the Fourth. And just in case you missed the fireworks extravaganza, we have some pictures from New York for you.

As CNN's Claire Leka reports, the holiday has taken on a special meaning since September 11.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CLAIRE LEKA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Twenty-eight thousand pyrotechnic shells lit up New York City's night skyline, which has been forever changed since September 11. An estimated four million people lined the banks of the East River to watch this year's show, which for many after September 11 has extra special meaning.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: First we thought well, maybe, we shouldn't make the trip, but then we thought no, we're going to go and we're going to be in New York on July Fourth.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've been here for 30 years and boy, I've been through ups and downs in New York City, bad and good. But I love this city.

LEKA: This year's fireworks, 148,000 pounds of pure firepower, did not disappoint.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: It was great. And this was my first time coming here, because usually I go to the park and other places to see them, on TV. And now I get to see it face to face and I saw everything and I was shocked.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, I've been to live fireworks, mostly in the Los Angeles area, and again in Boston, Massachusetts when I was growing up, but nothing like this. This was really neat.

LEKA: This year's show kicked off with an Air Force flyover and a New York Fire Department marine boat spraying the river red, white and blue. Halfway through the show, the crowd observed a 30 second moment of silence, a tribute to the fallen, in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: They always do it right in New York City, don't they?

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