Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Event/Special

Gracia Burnham Talks to Press

Aired June 10, 2002 - 16:58   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.
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Gracia Burnham, the U.S. missionary, just released -- captured and then released in the Philippines, is talking to reporters.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

GRACIA BURNHAM, RESCUED HOSTAGE: And they are not men of honor. They should be treated as common criminals. We support all U.S. government efforts in assisting the Philippines in ridding that country of terrorism.

A very bad thing happened to Martin and I when we were taken hostage, but we want everyone to know that God was good to us every single day of our captivity. Martin also was a source of strength to all the hostages. He was a good man, and he died well.

Again, it's good to be home. Keep praying for me and my kids, as we begin to rebuild our lives, and thank you.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

BURNHAM: That's all I have to say. He (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I say, my friends over there, you know who you are, and I have to go back in this room. We love you too, and we knew you were praying for us.

What are you people doing here? You're all over the place. Love you, guys. I'm going to go back in and hug my family again.

WOODRUFF: 43-year-old Gracia Burnham, rescued just a few days ago in the Philippines. Her husband was killed in an exchange of gunfire. She and her husband, U.S. missionaries there, held captive for more than a year.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com