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CNN Live Event/Special

NASA to Present Space Station Flags to 9/11 Families

Aired June 14, 2002 - 14:46   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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Now we want to take you to another tribute of sorts, a tribute to the American flag and this country's patriotism.

In New York, a flag that was on the Shuttle Endeavor at the International Space Center (sic), made its way, along with several other flags, are now going to be presented to New York ports authority and police. Let's listen in to the astronauts aboard the International Space Center (sic).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ...as part of the flags for heroes and families campaign. The flags being distributed to the survivors and families of the victims of the attacks.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: From space, we have a unique view of our planet. We see a world with no borders, no war and no political differences. We hope our work on board the International Space Station will be seen as a way for all nations to work together to pioneer the future, and in some small way, show everyone how people of different nations can come together in space.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today we pause to show our pride for America and to pay tribute to all the heroes of the terrorist attacks by taking the time to honor and celebrate the American flag. So it is fitting that we return the items flown for the flags for the Heroes and Families Campaign on the day and to the place where it all started, New York.

Our prayers are with all the families and friends of those whose lives were forever changed by the events of September 11. Thank you.

WHITFIELD: All right. That is the flag that is now going to be returned to New York City, and along with a number of other flags that were a part of the Space Shuttle Endeavour mission, and those flags were a gift given to NASA by the city of New York, after New York managed to get that flag back, a flag that was recovered from ground zero after the World Trade Center tragedy back on September 11.

And now that flag, American flag, along with some badges and patches from NASA and along with about 6,000 other smaller American flags that were out on the International Space Station now being returned to New York and presented as gifts to police officers, firefighters and members of the New York Ports Authority. That special tribute taking place now today on June 14, Flag Day. A very patriotic and a very meaningful gesture being made now. We want to take this short break and we'll be right back after this.

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