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Those who Died in Service Being Remembered Today; Interview With General Richard Myers

Aired May 31, 2004 - 15:00   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.


BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: A quick check of the headlines across the country. America's fallen soldiers are being remembered and honored this Memorial Day. Ceremonies are continuing this hour at Arlington National Cemetery. Earlier today, President Bush laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and praised American servicemen and women fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In Washington, a special parade today to honor America's veterans from World War II. High school marching bands and floats pay tribute to veteran units from all 50 states. The parade ended near the new World War II Memorial.

A truce has not silenced the gunfire in the Iraqi holy city of Kufa. Forces loyal to rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr opened fire on a U.S. patrol last night. The battle lasted an hour, and when it was all over two American soldiers were dead. There are conflicting reports on Iraqi casualties.

A stormy unofficial start to summer; 175 tornadoes and counting. Hundreds of homes demolished, at least eight people dead. That's what we're seeing, as the powerful band of storms sweeps from the Midwest to the coast. Your forecast is coming up.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: From the greatest generation of soldiers to the current generation, those who died in service are being remembered on this Memorial Day. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is in Santa Monica, California, with an unusual display about the Iraq war. But first, let's go to Frank Buckley at the White House.

Good afternoon, Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Drew.

The president went to Arlington National Cemetery for the 136th observance of Memorial Day activities there. The president participating in the laying of the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. This is where the remains of unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean conflict are located. Today, the president also delivered remarks, remembering all service members who have given their lives in service of their country, and he recognized service members who are still serving in combat zones today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Since the hour this nation was attacked, we have seen the character of the men and women who wear our country's uniform in places like Kabul and Kandahar and Mosul and Baghdad. We have seen their decency and their brave spirit. Because of their fierce courage, America is safer. Two terror regimes are gone forever, and more than 50 million souls now live in freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: And here at the White House, the flag was at half staff this morning. Protocol calls for it to remain that way until noon. Alongside the American flag was, and remains right now, the POW-MIA flag. Some 140,000 Americans have been held as prisoners of war -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Frank, thank you for that.

Senator John Kerry paid a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He was accompanied by the family of a Marine who suffered a head wound during the war and died of a seizure several years later. The Democratic presidential candidate is a Vietnam veteran who later protested against the Vietnam War.

NGUYEN: Along a stretch of beach in Santa Monica, California, you may stumble upon an unusual display. It calls attention to U.S. soldiers who died in Iraq. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is live from what's known as Arlington West -- Thelma.

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Betty.

Well, this makeshift memorial that you see right behind me on Santa Monica Beach was put here by a group who call themselves Veterans for Peace. Normally, this area near the Santa Monica boardwalk is bustling with tourists. Typically, you could hear stereos blaring in the background. But not today.

The mood here has been quiet and somber as hundreds of people have come to remember those killed in Iraq. Every hour, 100 names are read by Gulf War and Vietnam veterans.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Specialist Scott Brandon Tobler (ph), age 19; Lieutenant Thomas Mullen Adams (ph), age 27; Corporal Kent Randolph (ph)...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GUTIERREZ: Volunteers put up 810 crosses on the Santa Monica Beach, each one representing the men and women killed in Iraq. Many of the people here, who are here to remember those fallen soldiers, say that they are touched by the simplicity of the memorial.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We can come here and be together and share this together. And, you know, give our regards and respect to everybody that did this for us, that sacrificed.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel this is truly a way to honor the fallen. They've made it very clear that it's a place where people have divergent views. And on Memorial Day, we certainly shouldn't be concerned about politics.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GUTIERREZ: Many of the people here clearly moved to tears by the fallen servicemen and women that they've never met. Now, here on the board are 810 names, all of which represent someone who has died in Iraq. All day today, we've seen friends and members of the public search for those names. They write them down and then they take them out on a little cardboard and they place them on the crosses right behind me. Organizers say the main mission here is to give people a place to mourn, and they say to acknowledge the human cost of the war.

Betty, back to you.

NGUYEN: A very emotional day there in Santa Monica. Thelma Gutierrez, thank you.

GRIFFIN: Memorial Day has special meaning for U.S. forces serving now in war zones, especially those in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the fighting and dying continues. "Taps" and a moment of silence observed earlier today at Camp Phoenix. That's just outside Afghanistan's capital. The troops there among 20,000 U.S.-led coalition forces serving in that country.

And in Baghdad, the top U.S. commander in Iraq reminded his troops of their mission. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez urged them never to forget comrades who have died.

NGUYEN: The fight for Iraq isn't taking the holiday off. Political confusion, combined with another deadly car bombing, create an impression of chaos. CNN's Harris Whitbeck reports now from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A powerful car bomb exploded the Green Zone perimeter on Monday afternoon. Four people were killed and 25 were injured in that blast. The explosion shattered glass in nearby buildings and damaged vehicles that were parked nearby.

It occurred on a road commonly used by Coalition Provisional Authority officials and members of the Iraqi Governing Council as they go to and from the CPA. And it occurred as members of the Iraqi Governing Council met to try to break a deadlock over who will become Iraq's new interim president. Although it is largely a ceremonial post, it is expected the interim president would be involved in long- term planning.

The council wants to appoint its current leader, Ghazi Yawar, a prominent tribal leader, with support from several ethnic and religious groups. But according to council members, the U.S. and U.N. special envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, were pressuring them to back Adnan Pachachi, who was foreign minister in the 1960s before Saddam Hussein took power. Some council members expressed concern that the new interim government might not enjoy as much legitimacy as it could because of the perception that it was formed under U.S. pressure.

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: The continuing violence in Iraq and Afghanistan are adding to America's list of war dead. Earlier today on "AMERICAN MORNING," CNN's Bill Hemmer spoke to joint chiefs Chairman General Richard Myers and asked him whether this Memorial Day Weekend takes on added significance because of what is happening overseas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEN. RICHARD MYERS, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN: I think the whole weekend was full of all sorts of resonance. As you mentioned, the dedication of the World War II memorial, talking to lots of World War II veterans over this weekend, going into the Rolling Thunder, as they call it. You know, the ride to the Vietnam Memorial wall, with a lot of Vietnam veterans and those that support them. And then last night was the concert on the west lawn of the Capitol that was honoring those who have sacrificed in the current conflict against extremism and terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq.

And I will tell you, I started the weekend actually off on Friday, where we were fortunate enough to participate in the graduation ceremonies over at Annapolis, at the Naval Academy, and then later on Friday at a banquet at West Point for the graduating class. And you contrast the two generations, the World War II generation, who did what they had to do and sacrificed to provide our freedoms and our prosperity, and you look in the eyes of the 2,000 brand new lieutenants and ensigns who are going to be the next greatest generation and preserve our freedoms in the future. And we -- by the way, we are in good hands. I can guarantee you.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: General, let me move to a discussion of the issue of Iraq. A month away from the handover of power there. Do you have any reservations about that handover, number one, being complete over the next month? And do you have any reservations about meeting the level of satisfaction that's required to at least build some sort of foundation for the Iraqi people?

MYERS: I missed the middle part of that, but in terms of the transition, no, we think we're on track for a transition no later than 30 June. You know, they've announced the new prime minister of Iraq, Mr. Allawi. I think he's exactly the right type of person that can lead Iraq here through this interim government that will be established.

The coalition's role, our role, the multinational forces' role is to try to continue to provide the security conditions that will allow Iraq to develop a political structure, go to elections, develop a constitution that will allow their infrastructure to support economic development and so on. And that's what we're dedicated to do.

It's a very noble cause. Like World War II, this generation that is fighting in this conflict against extremism is -- the stakes are so high, that I think they're going to change the world like our World War II generation did.

HEMMER: So many remember the veterans today, and so many remember those in active duty. What do you say to the critics who say they do not have enough -- the men and women, especially, serving in Iraq -- do not have enough protective gear, do not have enough bullets, in many arguments? Your response to that is what, General?

MYERS: Listen, our job here in Washington and the job of the rest of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Department of defense is to make sure they do have the equipment, the bullets, if you will, that they need. And I think we're doing a terrific job of that.

I'm not sure -- I haven't heard of any shortage of bullets in Iraq or Afghanistan. We are moving equipment to them as fast as we can get it to them. Some of its brand-new equipment, new technology that we're trying to move forward. And as always happens when you're developing new systems, sometimes the demand will outstrip supply.

But it's not a matter of funding. We've got great by bipartisan support in Congress for the funding we need to support these folks.

You know, if you go back to World War II, the veterans there will tell you that not everybody thought World War II was a noble cause. There were a lot of critics of that particular conflict. And if we think about it for a minute, if we had not done what was done in World War II, then we'd be living in a much different world today.

I think you can take that, you can fast forward to today. We have a great threat out there from extremism, from terrorism. If we don't handle this in the right way, I don't think we'll like the world we'll live in, in five or 10 years.

HEMMER: General, in your first answer you mentioned Rolling Thunder. You helped lead a group of Vietnam veterans through D.C. over the weekend. In the short time we have left, what was that like for you?

MYERS: Well, it's indescribable as you turn the corner on to Memorial Bridge and there are hundreds, thousands of people lining the streets, and they're all cheering, they're all waving American flags. And there's a chill that goes up your spine that is so important. And I think for the Vietnam vets, many of whom returned to this country having to change uniforms before they went to an international airport or before they went home, so they wouldn't be jeered at, I think it's a very appropriate event and very poignant for many, many people, including myself, as a matter of fact.

HEMMER: Enjoy the holiday today.

MYERS: Thank you, Bill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Bill Hemmer and General Myers on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Well, can a priest deny you communion because of what you're wearing? The controversy brewing in Chicago. That's just ahead.

NGUYEN: SPF and IQ? Why all of the smart kids are wearing sunscreen this summer.

GRIFFIN: And later, don't mess with "Shrek." The big guy going full force at the box office.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: News across America now.

Gay rights supporters take on the Catholic Church. Parishioners donning rainbow-colored sashes and ribbons were denied communion during Catholic church services yesterday in Chicago. And in St. Paul, Minnesota, dozens of parishioners knelt in front of the altar to prevent people wearing sashes from receiving the sacrament.

After months of delays, opening statements are to begin tomorrow in the Scott Peterson double murder trial. Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son. Prosecutors plan to call hundreds of witnesses. Experts say the case against Peterson is largely circumstantial.

Across the Midwest, damage is being assessed from a series of powerful weekend storms and tornadoes. Some of the worst damage is in Marengo, Indiana. Fifty homes were destroyed and one person was killed there. Vernon says it is having to completely rebuild its phone network because there is nothing left to salvage.

GRIFFIN: Millions of kids are spending Memorial Day at the beach or pool. That is a concern for medical experts who are seeing an alarming skin cancer trend in children. CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen explains that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is the story of a 15-year-old boy and the sunburns that nearly killed him.

ALEX LEVIN, HAD SKIN CANCER: I really spent just as much time as any other kid would spend. I went to the beach every summer; I was always in the pool. I just wasn't very careful. I mean, my mom would always ask me to put the sunscreen on, but I really never knew why. I didn't care if I got a sunburn every once in a while back then.

COHEN: Two years ago, when he was 13, doctors found a mole on Alex Levin's back. It turned out to be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and the cancer had already spread to one of his lymph nodes. LEVIN: I never would have thought a kid would have it. I thought maybe when I was an old man I'd get it, that type of thing. But it never even phased my mind that it could happen to me.

COHEN: Apparently, most teens feel the same way. According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, only one third of teenagers use any sun protection at all. And when they do use sunscreen, most use it only when they go to the beach or the pool. Doctors say kids almost never used to get melanoma, but now they are, and doctors aren't sure why.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm really alarmed that today we are regularly seeing young people with melanoma, including children and teenagers.

COHEN: And he's frustrated, because skin cancer is often so preventable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, it makes no more sense to have a sunburn, which is an injury to your skin, than it is to put your hand in scalding water.

COHEN: Alex's surgical scars are now barely visible. He's cancer-free, but has to get checked regularly. His doctors told him he doesn't have to avoid the sun entirely, so he still spends time outside playing with his friends, walking his dog. But now he's a lot smarter about it.

LEVIN: The only thing you can tell people is to just give them the advice that they've just got to put sunscreen on. If you can protect yourself from one sunburn, you can protect yourself from so much later in life.

COHEN: Great advice from a young cancer survivor.

Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Well, it turns out it is easy being green, if you're a big green animated ogre, that is. "Shrek" rules at the box office.

GRIFFIN: But maybe not for long, Betty. "Harry Potter" and the wizards are back. "Entertainment Buzz" next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: We're going to check entertainment headlines this Monday, which are a little slow, we must say. It's a marriage made in TV heaven, but the ceremony not televised. But actor Scott Wolf has now tied the knot with Kelly Limp (ph), a former cast member of MTV's "Real World New Orleans." Wolf was on the former Fox show "Party of Five."

"Shrek 2" seeking green again. The number one weekend box office draw earning just over $73 million. That is the highest total ever for a movie's second weekend. Remember, "Shrek" came out last week. The global warming disaster flick, "The Day After Tomorrow," opened in second place with $70 million.

NGUYEN: Well, is it movie magic for the latest "Harry Potter" film? Thousands of fans turned out for the premier of the third installment of the series. ITN's Nina Nannar reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NINA NANNAR, ITN (voice-over): Being met with thousands of screaming fans would be quite a test for anyone, let alone a teenager. But 14-year-old Daniel Radcliffe, AKA Harry Potter, is the most famous teenager in the country, as well as being reputedly one of the richest.

Some fans have been waiting since 5:00 in the morning to greet him and his fellow teenage costars. It may be the third film in the "Harry Potter" series, but the young star seemed overwhelmed.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE, ACTOR: But not when you get out of the car and -- ah, I hate it because it's just so tense and so nerve-racking. But I absolutely love it and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, at the same token.

EMMA WATSON, ACTRESS: There is an insane number of people out there. It's really flattering. Really flattering.

NANNAR: JK Rowling's third "Harry Potter" book is darker than the first two, something critics agree has been successfully transferred to the big screen. The aim is to write seven "Potter" books in all. So far, the series has made JK Rowling more than 430 million pounds.

(on camera): Everyone's expecting seven films in the series.

JK ROWLING, AUTHOR: Well, maybe. Who knows. I mean, obviously, I'm halfway through book six at the moment. So we'll see.

NANNAR: "Harry Potter's" first two big-screen outings are among the 10 highest grossing films of all time. And a sense of expectation is certainly high.

(voice-over): With rave reviews, there's plenty to smile about. "Harry Potter" is one of the most successful film franchises in history. And with the writer busy on book number six, the young cast are busy making film number four.

Nina Nannar, ITV News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: See how that stacks up to "Shrek."

GRIFFIN: Yes. Too cool for kids, though, aren't they?

NGUYEN: Yes.

GRIFFIN: That wraps up this Monday edition of LIVE FROM.

NGUYEN: And now to take us through the next hour of political headlines is "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS."

Hello, Judy.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Hi there, Betty. Thanks to you and Drew.

Well, today an all-too realistic reminder of the price of freedom. This afternoon, I'll talk with two families who lost sons in Iraq.

Plus, our Bruce Morton profiles a 103-year-old veteran of World War I. He was later held as a civilian hostage during World War II.

"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in three minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)


Aired May 31, 2004 - 15:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: A quick check of the headlines across the country. America's fallen soldiers are being remembered and honored this Memorial Day. Ceremonies are continuing this hour at Arlington National Cemetery. Earlier today, President Bush laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and praised American servicemen and women fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In Washington, a special parade today to honor America's veterans from World War II. High school marching bands and floats pay tribute to veteran units from all 50 states. The parade ended near the new World War II Memorial.

A truce has not silenced the gunfire in the Iraqi holy city of Kufa. Forces loyal to rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr opened fire on a U.S. patrol last night. The battle lasted an hour, and when it was all over two American soldiers were dead. There are conflicting reports on Iraqi casualties.

A stormy unofficial start to summer; 175 tornadoes and counting. Hundreds of homes demolished, at least eight people dead. That's what we're seeing, as the powerful band of storms sweeps from the Midwest to the coast. Your forecast is coming up.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: From the greatest generation of soldiers to the current generation, those who died in service are being remembered on this Memorial Day. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is in Santa Monica, California, with an unusual display about the Iraq war. But first, let's go to Frank Buckley at the White House.

Good afternoon, Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Drew.

The president went to Arlington National Cemetery for the 136th observance of Memorial Day activities there. The president participating in the laying of the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. This is where the remains of unknown soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean conflict are located. Today, the president also delivered remarks, remembering all service members who have given their lives in service of their country, and he recognized service members who are still serving in combat zones today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Since the hour this nation was attacked, we have seen the character of the men and women who wear our country's uniform in places like Kabul and Kandahar and Mosul and Baghdad. We have seen their decency and their brave spirit. Because of their fierce courage, America is safer. Two terror regimes are gone forever, and more than 50 million souls now live in freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: And here at the White House, the flag was at half staff this morning. Protocol calls for it to remain that way until noon. Alongside the American flag was, and remains right now, the POW-MIA flag. Some 140,000 Americans have been held as prisoners of war -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Frank, thank you for that.

Senator John Kerry paid a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He was accompanied by the family of a Marine who suffered a head wound during the war and died of a seizure several years later. The Democratic presidential candidate is a Vietnam veteran who later protested against the Vietnam War.

NGUYEN: Along a stretch of beach in Santa Monica, California, you may stumble upon an unusual display. It calls attention to U.S. soldiers who died in Iraq. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez is live from what's known as Arlington West -- Thelma.

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Betty.

Well, this makeshift memorial that you see right behind me on Santa Monica Beach was put here by a group who call themselves Veterans for Peace. Normally, this area near the Santa Monica boardwalk is bustling with tourists. Typically, you could hear stereos blaring in the background. But not today.

The mood here has been quiet and somber as hundreds of people have come to remember those killed in Iraq. Every hour, 100 names are read by Gulf War and Vietnam veterans.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Specialist Scott Brandon Tobler (ph), age 19; Lieutenant Thomas Mullen Adams (ph), age 27; Corporal Kent Randolph (ph)...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GUTIERREZ: Volunteers put up 810 crosses on the Santa Monica Beach, each one representing the men and women killed in Iraq. Many of the people here, who are here to remember those fallen soldiers, say that they are touched by the simplicity of the memorial.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We can come here and be together and share this together. And, you know, give our regards and respect to everybody that did this for us, that sacrificed.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel this is truly a way to honor the fallen. They've made it very clear that it's a place where people have divergent views. And on Memorial Day, we certainly shouldn't be concerned about politics.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GUTIERREZ: Many of the people here clearly moved to tears by the fallen servicemen and women that they've never met. Now, here on the board are 810 names, all of which represent someone who has died in Iraq. All day today, we've seen friends and members of the public search for those names. They write them down and then they take them out on a little cardboard and they place them on the crosses right behind me. Organizers say the main mission here is to give people a place to mourn, and they say to acknowledge the human cost of the war.

Betty, back to you.

NGUYEN: A very emotional day there in Santa Monica. Thelma Gutierrez, thank you.

GRIFFIN: Memorial Day has special meaning for U.S. forces serving now in war zones, especially those in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the fighting and dying continues. "Taps" and a moment of silence observed earlier today at Camp Phoenix. That's just outside Afghanistan's capital. The troops there among 20,000 U.S.-led coalition forces serving in that country.

And in Baghdad, the top U.S. commander in Iraq reminded his troops of their mission. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez urged them never to forget comrades who have died.

NGUYEN: The fight for Iraq isn't taking the holiday off. Political confusion, combined with another deadly car bombing, create an impression of chaos. CNN's Harris Whitbeck reports now from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A powerful car bomb exploded the Green Zone perimeter on Monday afternoon. Four people were killed and 25 were injured in that blast. The explosion shattered glass in nearby buildings and damaged vehicles that were parked nearby.

It occurred on a road commonly used by Coalition Provisional Authority officials and members of the Iraqi Governing Council as they go to and from the CPA. And it occurred as members of the Iraqi Governing Council met to try to break a deadlock over who will become Iraq's new interim president. Although it is largely a ceremonial post, it is expected the interim president would be involved in long- term planning.

The council wants to appoint its current leader, Ghazi Yawar, a prominent tribal leader, with support from several ethnic and religious groups. But according to council members, the U.S. and U.N. special envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, were pressuring them to back Adnan Pachachi, who was foreign minister in the 1960s before Saddam Hussein took power. Some council members expressed concern that the new interim government might not enjoy as much legitimacy as it could because of the perception that it was formed under U.S. pressure.

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: The continuing violence in Iraq and Afghanistan are adding to America's list of war dead. Earlier today on "AMERICAN MORNING," CNN's Bill Hemmer spoke to joint chiefs Chairman General Richard Myers and asked him whether this Memorial Day Weekend takes on added significance because of what is happening overseas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GEN. RICHARD MYERS, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN: I think the whole weekend was full of all sorts of resonance. As you mentioned, the dedication of the World War II memorial, talking to lots of World War II veterans over this weekend, going into the Rolling Thunder, as they call it. You know, the ride to the Vietnam Memorial wall, with a lot of Vietnam veterans and those that support them. And then last night was the concert on the west lawn of the Capitol that was honoring those who have sacrificed in the current conflict against extremism and terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq.

And I will tell you, I started the weekend actually off on Friday, where we were fortunate enough to participate in the graduation ceremonies over at Annapolis, at the Naval Academy, and then later on Friday at a banquet at West Point for the graduating class. And you contrast the two generations, the World War II generation, who did what they had to do and sacrificed to provide our freedoms and our prosperity, and you look in the eyes of the 2,000 brand new lieutenants and ensigns who are going to be the next greatest generation and preserve our freedoms in the future. And we -- by the way, we are in good hands. I can guarantee you.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: General, let me move to a discussion of the issue of Iraq. A month away from the handover of power there. Do you have any reservations about that handover, number one, being complete over the next month? And do you have any reservations about meeting the level of satisfaction that's required to at least build some sort of foundation for the Iraqi people?

MYERS: I missed the middle part of that, but in terms of the transition, no, we think we're on track for a transition no later than 30 June. You know, they've announced the new prime minister of Iraq, Mr. Allawi. I think he's exactly the right type of person that can lead Iraq here through this interim government that will be established.

The coalition's role, our role, the multinational forces' role is to try to continue to provide the security conditions that will allow Iraq to develop a political structure, go to elections, develop a constitution that will allow their infrastructure to support economic development and so on. And that's what we're dedicated to do.

It's a very noble cause. Like World War II, this generation that is fighting in this conflict against extremism is -- the stakes are so high, that I think they're going to change the world like our World War II generation did.

HEMMER: So many remember the veterans today, and so many remember those in active duty. What do you say to the critics who say they do not have enough -- the men and women, especially, serving in Iraq -- do not have enough protective gear, do not have enough bullets, in many arguments? Your response to that is what, General?

MYERS: Listen, our job here in Washington and the job of the rest of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Department of defense is to make sure they do have the equipment, the bullets, if you will, that they need. And I think we're doing a terrific job of that.

I'm not sure -- I haven't heard of any shortage of bullets in Iraq or Afghanistan. We are moving equipment to them as fast as we can get it to them. Some of its brand-new equipment, new technology that we're trying to move forward. And as always happens when you're developing new systems, sometimes the demand will outstrip supply.

But it's not a matter of funding. We've got great by bipartisan support in Congress for the funding we need to support these folks.

You know, if you go back to World War II, the veterans there will tell you that not everybody thought World War II was a noble cause. There were a lot of critics of that particular conflict. And if we think about it for a minute, if we had not done what was done in World War II, then we'd be living in a much different world today.

I think you can take that, you can fast forward to today. We have a great threat out there from extremism, from terrorism. If we don't handle this in the right way, I don't think we'll like the world we'll live in, in five or 10 years.

HEMMER: General, in your first answer you mentioned Rolling Thunder. You helped lead a group of Vietnam veterans through D.C. over the weekend. In the short time we have left, what was that like for you?

MYERS: Well, it's indescribable as you turn the corner on to Memorial Bridge and there are hundreds, thousands of people lining the streets, and they're all cheering, they're all waving American flags. And there's a chill that goes up your spine that is so important. And I think for the Vietnam vets, many of whom returned to this country having to change uniforms before they went to an international airport or before they went home, so they wouldn't be jeered at, I think it's a very appropriate event and very poignant for many, many people, including myself, as a matter of fact.

HEMMER: Enjoy the holiday today.

MYERS: Thank you, Bill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Bill Hemmer and General Myers on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Well, can a priest deny you communion because of what you're wearing? The controversy brewing in Chicago. That's just ahead.

NGUYEN: SPF and IQ? Why all of the smart kids are wearing sunscreen this summer.

GRIFFIN: And later, don't mess with "Shrek." The big guy going full force at the box office.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: News across America now.

Gay rights supporters take on the Catholic Church. Parishioners donning rainbow-colored sashes and ribbons were denied communion during Catholic church services yesterday in Chicago. And in St. Paul, Minnesota, dozens of parishioners knelt in front of the altar to prevent people wearing sashes from receiving the sacrament.

After months of delays, opening statements are to begin tomorrow in the Scott Peterson double murder trial. Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son. Prosecutors plan to call hundreds of witnesses. Experts say the case against Peterson is largely circumstantial.

Across the Midwest, damage is being assessed from a series of powerful weekend storms and tornadoes. Some of the worst damage is in Marengo, Indiana. Fifty homes were destroyed and one person was killed there. Vernon says it is having to completely rebuild its phone network because there is nothing left to salvage.

GRIFFIN: Millions of kids are spending Memorial Day at the beach or pool. That is a concern for medical experts who are seeing an alarming skin cancer trend in children. CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen explains that.

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ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is the story of a 15-year-old boy and the sunburns that nearly killed him.

ALEX LEVIN, HAD SKIN CANCER: I really spent just as much time as any other kid would spend. I went to the beach every summer; I was always in the pool. I just wasn't very careful. I mean, my mom would always ask me to put the sunscreen on, but I really never knew why. I didn't care if I got a sunburn every once in a while back then.

COHEN: Two years ago, when he was 13, doctors found a mole on Alex Levin's back. It turned out to be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and the cancer had already spread to one of his lymph nodes. LEVIN: I never would have thought a kid would have it. I thought maybe when I was an old man I'd get it, that type of thing. But it never even phased my mind that it could happen to me.

COHEN: Apparently, most teens feel the same way. According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, only one third of teenagers use any sun protection at all. And when they do use sunscreen, most use it only when they go to the beach or the pool. Doctors say kids almost never used to get melanoma, but now they are, and doctors aren't sure why.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm really alarmed that today we are regularly seeing young people with melanoma, including children and teenagers.

COHEN: And he's frustrated, because skin cancer is often so preventable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, it makes no more sense to have a sunburn, which is an injury to your skin, than it is to put your hand in scalding water.

COHEN: Alex's surgical scars are now barely visible. He's cancer-free, but has to get checked regularly. His doctors told him he doesn't have to avoid the sun entirely, so he still spends time outside playing with his friends, walking his dog. But now he's a lot smarter about it.

LEVIN: The only thing you can tell people is to just give them the advice that they've just got to put sunscreen on. If you can protect yourself from one sunburn, you can protect yourself from so much later in life.

COHEN: Great advice from a young cancer survivor.

Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

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NGUYEN: Well, it turns out it is easy being green, if you're a big green animated ogre, that is. "Shrek" rules at the box office.

GRIFFIN: But maybe not for long, Betty. "Harry Potter" and the wizards are back. "Entertainment Buzz" next.

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GRIFFIN: We're going to check entertainment headlines this Monday, which are a little slow, we must say. It's a marriage made in TV heaven, but the ceremony not televised. But actor Scott Wolf has now tied the knot with Kelly Limp (ph), a former cast member of MTV's "Real World New Orleans." Wolf was on the former Fox show "Party of Five."

"Shrek 2" seeking green again. The number one weekend box office draw earning just over $73 million. That is the highest total ever for a movie's second weekend. Remember, "Shrek" came out last week. The global warming disaster flick, "The Day After Tomorrow," opened in second place with $70 million.

NGUYEN: Well, is it movie magic for the latest "Harry Potter" film? Thousands of fans turned out for the premier of the third installment of the series. ITN's Nina Nannar reports.

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NINA NANNAR, ITN (voice-over): Being met with thousands of screaming fans would be quite a test for anyone, let alone a teenager. But 14-year-old Daniel Radcliffe, AKA Harry Potter, is the most famous teenager in the country, as well as being reputedly one of the richest.

Some fans have been waiting since 5:00 in the morning to greet him and his fellow teenage costars. It may be the third film in the "Harry Potter" series, but the young star seemed overwhelmed.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE, ACTOR: But not when you get out of the car and -- ah, I hate it because it's just so tense and so nerve-racking. But I absolutely love it and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, at the same token.

EMMA WATSON, ACTRESS: There is an insane number of people out there. It's really flattering. Really flattering.

NANNAR: JK Rowling's third "Harry Potter" book is darker than the first two, something critics agree has been successfully transferred to the big screen. The aim is to write seven "Potter" books in all. So far, the series has made JK Rowling more than 430 million pounds.

(on camera): Everyone's expecting seven films in the series.

JK ROWLING, AUTHOR: Well, maybe. Who knows. I mean, obviously, I'm halfway through book six at the moment. So we'll see.

NANNAR: "Harry Potter's" first two big-screen outings are among the 10 highest grossing films of all time. And a sense of expectation is certainly high.

(voice-over): With rave reviews, there's plenty to smile about. "Harry Potter" is one of the most successful film franchises in history. And with the writer busy on book number six, the young cast are busy making film number four.

Nina Nannar, ITV News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: See how that stacks up to "Shrek."

GRIFFIN: Yes. Too cool for kids, though, aren't they?

NGUYEN: Yes.

GRIFFIN: That wraps up this Monday edition of LIVE FROM.

NGUYEN: And now to take us through the next hour of political headlines is "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS."

Hello, Judy.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Hi there, Betty. Thanks to you and Drew.

Well, today an all-too realistic reminder of the price of freedom. This afternoon, I'll talk with two families who lost sons in Iraq.

Plus, our Bruce Morton profiles a 103-year-old veteran of World War I. He was later held as a civilian hostage during World War II.

"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in three minutes.

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