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CNN Sunday Morning

Construction of Freedom Tower Gets Under Way; Bush, Kerry Campaign on 4th of July

Aired July 04, 2004 - 09:00   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.


DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning and happy Fourth of July. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING and I am Drew Griffin. Here's what we have coming up in this hour.
One unit saying goodbye another gets set to settle in Iraq. We will have a live report from Baghdad, this Fourth of July.

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Alina Cho in New York where on this Fourth of July the cornerstone for the Freedom Tower will be set in place. It will become the tallest building at ground zero and in the world. I'll have more in a live report, coming up.

GRIFFIN: And the nation's birthday, just another workday for these candidates. We'll check in with the president and Mr. Kerry as they campaign this holiday weekend, but first here's what's happening at this hour.

Iraqi police say they have arrested six members of a militant group. They suspect the men are responsible for a string of assassinations in northern Iraq. The men are reportedly members of Ansar al-Islam, a Kurdish group believed to have links to al-Qaeda.

Iranian officials say they are preparing war crimes charges against former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. A foreign ministry spokesman for Iran says their complaint involves the 1980 invasion of Iran and the use of chemical weapon there. The spokesman says the charges will be filed with the Iraqi court that is trying the former dictator.

In Afghanistan, peacekeepers believe they've discovered a clandestine bomb factory after an explosion at a residential compound in the capital of Kabul. Officials say yesterday's blast happened as three men were assembling bombs. Six people were wounded, three of them reportedly children. Three men were arrested, not clear though, if they had ties to any militant groups.

Up first this hour from the Golden Gate Bridge to the statue of liberty, Americans celebrating their independence from sea to shining sea this morning. In Washington, D.C., helicopters flying high before the fireworks as security is beefed up for the annual influx of visitors. Police are going to set up checkpoints on the National Mall. All coolers and backpacks and packages will be subject to inspection.

In South Dakota an early and colorful start to America's 228th birthday. This was the scene last night. There will be another night of fire in the sky this evening at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

And here in Hotlanta, they broke a sweat on a humid Fourth of July, running the 2004 Peachtree Road Race. Pulling out the men's win is Martin Lel at 28 minutes, two seconds. And for the women Susan Chepkemei who completed the race in 31 minutes and 54 seconds, among the 55,000 who took part in that huge race.

Dignitaries are gathered in New York at the ceremony for the new World Trade Complex. Officials laying the cornerstone this morning for the Freedom Tower. That takes place in about 90 minutes. Alina Cho is at ground zero right now. Good morning, Alina.

CHO: Good morning to you, Drew. In face, about 500 invited guests will be here including among them, about 100 9/11 family members, all will be here to witness the laying of the cornerstone for the Freedom Tower. As I mentioned a bit earlier, it will soon become the tallest building at ground zero, and in the world. The tower will be 1,776 feet tall, symbolic for the year of American independence, and of course, all of this is happening today on this Independence Day.

A little bit about the stone now. 20 tons of New York granite from the Adirondacks flexed with garnet -- red garnet which is the state's gemstone. It took three weeks to get this stone ready for today's ceremony. There's also an inscription on this stone which will be revealed today. That's been kept a secret until now. The stone will be placed in the southeast corner of this 70-foot deep foundation, here at ground zero, serving, as I mentioned, as the first piece of the Freedom Tower. The tower itself will be 70 floors high, not including the spire 60 floors will be offices, it will have an under -- an indoor observation deck, rather, a restaurant. Even wind turbines for power. When it's completed sometime in 2008, Governor George Pataki will become the first tenant.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. GEORGE PATAKI (R), NEW YORK: Everyone understands that this is more than a building, more than a site. It is a symbol of American freedom.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Both New York's and New Jersey's governors will be here, today. Also, here today, will be the mayor of New York City, and the highlight to today's event is expected to be the reading of the "Declaration of Independence" by the 13-year-old son of a port authority cop who died on September 11 -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina, it will be nice to watch something rise from that hole in the ground. Thank you for that report.

Now to Baghdad. They are part of the longest serving military unit in Iraq and they finally get to go home. On this Fourth of July, it seems fitting; members of the 1st Armored Division celebrating the end of their tour of duty. Soldiers from the 1st Calvary Division are replacing them and our Jane Arraf is at Camp Victory in Baghdad for the closing of the colors and beginning of the party, I guess -- Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Drew. The end of an era, the longest serving division in Iraq, the 1st Armored Division along with other elements, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment going home to Louisiana. The first A.D. soldiers going home to Germany, just like they thought they would be doing three months ago. Instead they were extended and out to fight the Mahdi militia, but they are finally going home. And they know it's real because this morning they had the ceremony in which they put away their flags.

Now over here at the 1st Cavalry which has replaced them, some -- a number of festivities for July 4th, as festive as you can have it in this intense midday heat. But very early this morning, just after dawn, they held the Peachtree Road Race; similar to the one held in Atlanta, but this one an Iraqi version, a 10 kilometer run that started at about 5:30 a.m. this morning. And we have a couple of soldiers with us, as well, to tell us, in their own words, what it's like spending the Fourth of July in Baghdad. First of all staff Sergeant Allen Johns from Michigan. How are you spending the day?

STAFF SGT. ALLEN JOHNS, U.S. ARMY: Basically I'm relaxing, today. Been running pretty crazy here for the last few months, getting everything in place and stuff, so just kind of taking a little bit of a break. My boss let me kind of have most of the day off.

ARRAF: Does it feel festive to you?

JOHNS: Oh, Very. I mean, on a daily basis you see very few people walking around in the heat, and today a lot more people.

ARRAF: How's it been so far? You have been here with a couple of months; you came in with the 1st Calvary.

JOHNS: It's a lot better than I expected it to be, to be honest with you. I was expecting a little bit more of a battlefield-type area and this seems more of a relaxed environment than what I was expecting. It's better than I anticipated.

ARRAF: Thank you. And, Sergeant Bryan Ellis, how's it been for you?

SGT. BRYAN ELLIS, U.S. ARMY: Well, it's been enjoyable, in the new experiences, and the different climate, different cultures and stuff. But it's the same, it's been relaxed and comfortable for the most part.

ARRAF: Does it feel dangerous to you?

ELLIS: Well, from time to time when we have to run a couple night missions, it's -- but other than that, I feel pretty much safe.

ARRAF: And what's it like having July 4th actually in Iraq? Does that give it special significance?

ELLIS: Yeah. It's interesting to celebrate the holidays over here in Iranian (SIC) country, just celebrated my birthday recently and now the Fourth of July and it kind of adds a little -- a little more pizzazz to everything, so yeah, it's enjoyable, very.

ARRAF: Thank you very much. You know, those are words you don't often hear, but probably if we asked more soldiers we would hear more of them, but pretty positive here, anyway, this Fourth of July, from soldiers who have been here a couple of months. Again, some very happy soldiers returning home after very difficult 15 months here with the 1st Armored Division.

And here, in just a bit there's going to be a band. And as a special treat for these soldiers, it is going to be an all-woman band -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Jane, I couldn't help but notice the Burger King insignia over Sergeant Ellis shoulder. They're going to get American fare this holiday 4th?

ARRAF: Yes, there's the traditional barbecue, although since it is about, and I'm guessing here, I have to admit, it is about probably 120 degrees, you don't really have a lot of events outdoors. So, basically what they have are people slaving away, grilling the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs and chicken, and being served in a nice air-conditioned dining facility. It's no fireworks, here. There are fireworks in some other bases, most notably in Tikrit. But certainly here we can't forget it's a military base. There was a rocket that landed here just a few hours ago, an almost daily occurrence. But, despite that, for some of these guys, it does feel a little bit like home -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Yeah, I imagine that rockets flying into the air are not what those guys want to see now. What's the band? Do you know the band? Is it somebody famous they're slipping in there?

ARRAF: I'm sure they will be famous some day. The name is "Thund Her Struck." And the "her" part is because it is an all-woman band. They would normally be tuning up right now, and they probably will be shortly, and I have to tell you, it did attract a great deal of attention when one of the band members just came out wearing, definitely something that was not a military uniform. So, that's tonight's entertainment -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Jane, it's nice to have you talking about lighter subjects from Iraq on this morning. Thanks for joining us.

Other developments from Iraq, the U.S. military says it can't confirm whether militants have killed Wassef Ali Hassoun, a missing American Marine corporal. A militant group says it beheaded Hassoun. The word came in a statement posted yesterday on an Islamic Web site. He's been missing for two weeks.

Iraq's interim prime minister is reportedly considering amnesty for Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite cleric. In an ABC interview, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said al-Sadr could receive amnesty if he follows through on a pledge to get rid of his militia.

The Iraqi government plans to announce partial amnesty tomorrow aimed at low-level insurgents. A spokesman for Allawi says those accused of murder will not be eligible.

And with the transfer of power in Iraq, a week ago, insurgent attacks and recent kidnappings, we haven't we heard much lately about efforts to rebuilding that country. A new U.S. government report shows how it's going and whether it is improving the lives of Iraqis.

CNN's Jeanne Meserve has the report card.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Electricity, critical to rebuilding Iraq's economy, improving the quality of daily life, and winning the population's support. But according to a new report from the General Accounting Office, 13 of Iraq's 18 provinces have fewer hours of electrical service now than when Saddam Hussein was in power.

DAVID WALKER, COMPTROLLER GEN. OF THE U.S.: We're rebuilding infrastructure that has been deteriorated over a number of years and has been a casualty of war, of looting, and of the insurgency.

MESERVE: The GAO says inadequate security is undercutting efforts to rebuild infrastructure, but that Iraq's security forces are poorly trained and equipped, understaffed and unready to fight. One analyst blames what she calls the "incompetent bureaucracy of the Coalition Provisional Authority," but also says the Iraqi people had unrealistic expectations.

DANIELLE PLETKA, AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE: I understand why they're there. If you've lived for 30 years under a horrible dictator, when he's gone you expect everything to come up roses. And in many ways we advertised that they would come up roses.

MESERVE: But new numbers from the White House show that of the $18.4 billion appropriated by Congress last fall to rebuild Iraq, only $366 million or about two percent have been spent. The office of management and budget argues that more than half the money is now in the pipeline. And the administration points to progress. Twenty-five hundred schools rehabilitated, 85 percent of children immunized, 50 percent more telephone users than before the war, and no Saddam Hussein.

J. ADAM ERELI, STATE DEPARTMENT: I find it difficult to argue persuasively that in Iraq -- an Iraq free of Saddam Hussein is worse off than an Iraq with Saddam Hussein.

MESERVE: Though angering frustration with the slow pace of building has been evident on the streets of Iraq, there appears to be hope that the new government can do better.

FEISAL ISTRABADI, ADVISOR, IRAQ GOVERNING COUNCIL: Hopefully the new government will be able to fulfill the major aims and hopes of the people of Iraq and not disappoint them.

MESERVE (on camera): But, it remains to be seen if the new Iraqi government can do a better job meeting those hopes than the U.S. and its allies.

Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Coming up, a different view of the fighting in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep your eyes open. If it's anything like last night, it's going to be over soon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: This is called a "Gunner Palace", a new documentary taking you inside with the troops. We're going to have a preview of that.

And this holiday weekend has security officials state-side on heightened alert protecting ports. That is coming up, plus this...

(WEATHER REPORT)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: July 4, 1776, General George Washington was defending New York City against the British. John Hancock sent him a copy of the "Declaration" on July 6th and Washington had it read to the troops.

Washington was known for demanding discipline and hard work from soldiers and so against tremendous odds. The Americans finally won the war in 1781.

With his reputation as a brilliant military leader, he was unanimously selected America's first president. In his farewell address in 1797, he warned against permanent alliances abroad.

A statue now stands in England with American soil beneath it as Washington refused to set foot on British soil again.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Almost everybody loves to grill, especially on the Fourth of July, but not everyone agrees on how to do it. That's why we are asking you which way is best, charcoal or gas. Our e-mail question of the day. E-mail us your answer at CNN -- wam@cnn.com. We're going to read your answers later in the hour. Some have been pretty interesting.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Other news on this Fourth of July, in southeastern Arizona a wildfire sparked by lightning is threatening an observatory that's home to some of the world's most powerful telescopes. The blaze now threatening Mount Graham International Observatory, that is 110 miles east of Tucson.

Pictures beaming through space of Saturn's largest moon have been -- has scientists beaming with excitement. Look at this beautiful shot. The Cassini spacecraft is taking shots of Titan -- there it is. Scientists say the images are, quote, "different than anything we have seen before." Cassini will photograph the 31 known moons of Saturn.

And no one has yet come forward to claim that mega lottery prize, one Mega Million's ticket sold in Massachusetts, is worth $290 million. The store's owner, a wine store in Owen, Massachusetts, took home 50 grand for selling it and everybody nearby is checking their tickets.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR ARMAND MERCIER, OWEN MASSACHUSETTS: I was a little bit disappointed when I checked my numbers and found that it wasn't me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: Slightly.

New security measures were put in place Thursday; they're aimed at making U.S. ports safer. CNN's Deborah Feyerick surveyed one of those ports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At a busy New York port, on an international cargo ship, six flights below deck, U.S. Customs inspectors search for weapons of mass destruction.

KEVIN MCCABE, U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: Over 90 percent of what we do is based on finding either a weapon or a terrorist weapon or a component of a terrorist weapon.

FEYERICK: Immediately after 9/11, when rumors reached a fever pitch, inspectors here got information a nuclear bomb had slipped into the United States in a cargo container sitting on the dock. The information was flawed, but as it turned out, not the concern.

(on camera): Do you think that if that container with the alleged nuclear device came into port now, that you would be able to find it in all of these containers?

MICHAEL HEGLER, U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: I feel more comfortable now in the technology and the people we have.

It's a little bit of radium 226. That's why it was going off.

FEYERICK (voice-over): Every year, more than 1.2 million containers are unloaded in New York area ports. Inspectors here say they manually check about two percent, those targeted as high risk, from countries like Thailand or Pakistan, for example. (on camera): What's not to say that components of a weapon of mass destruction have not made it into the United States?

MCCABE: We use all types of detectors. We have radiation detectors, x-ray imaging, gamma imaging, vapor tracers, ion track machines.

FEYERICK (voice-over): Counter-terror experts believe it detonated, a nuclear or radiological weapon could shut down a port for weeks, if not months, fueling front line inspectors like Kevin McCabe and Michael Hegler to keep searching.

HEGLER: It would be tremendously devastating for the shipping community, the residents around here, the terminals. Our job, though, is to go on these ships and take that threat away from going into the port.

FEYERICK: A threat once unthinkable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nothing found.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right, safe.

FEYERICK: Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Holidays allow no breaks in a presidential election year. President Bush and John Kerry are both on the campaign trail this Fourth of July. We'll have the latest on their days when CNN SUNDAY MORNING returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Happy Fourth of July, Las Vegas. Rob Marciano will have the forecast just a minute away, but first these headlines:

The Iraqi government is said to be considering amnesty for Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr. His militias have led attacks against U.S. forces. In an interview with "ABC News," Prime Minister Iyad Allawi says al-Sadr could receive amnesty if he disbands his army as he has promised.

Iranian officials say they are preparing their own war crime charges against former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. A foreign ministry spokesman says the complaint involves Saddam's 1980 invasion of Iran and the use of chemical weapons in the eight year war. A spokesman says the charges will be filed with the Iraqi court that's trying the former Iraqi leader.

We will check with weather, now. Vegas among one of the very hot spots.

(WEATHER REPORT) GRIFFIN: Thank you, Rob. Well, it is called "Gunner Palace," and it's interesting, but home sweet home. A documentary brings home the images from the war in Iraq. A coming attraction of the new film when CNN SUNDAY MORNING returns.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: France was America's most vital ally in the revolutionary war. Two months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, France sent 14 ships loaded with war supplies for America. Then, in December of 1776, Benjamin Franklin went to France to make the alliance official. A little over a year later, France signed a treaty recognizing America and stating France would not stop fighting until America won the war. In fact, France played a crucial role in the final blow to Great Britain. Twenty-eight French ships carrying 3,000 troops joined 7,000 French and American soldiers at the battle of Yorktown. When the fighting was over the British surrendered.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Is John Kerry ready to announce his running mate? We will have the news from his weekend road trip, just ahead. Welcome back, I'm Drew Griffin. That story is coming up, but first the headlines at this hour.

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


Aired July 4, 2004 - 09:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning and happy Fourth of July. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING and I am Drew Griffin. Here's what we have coming up in this hour.
One unit saying goodbye another gets set to settle in Iraq. We will have a live report from Baghdad, this Fourth of July.

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Alina Cho in New York where on this Fourth of July the cornerstone for the Freedom Tower will be set in place. It will become the tallest building at ground zero and in the world. I'll have more in a live report, coming up.

GRIFFIN: And the nation's birthday, just another workday for these candidates. We'll check in with the president and Mr. Kerry as they campaign this holiday weekend, but first here's what's happening at this hour.

Iraqi police say they have arrested six members of a militant group. They suspect the men are responsible for a string of assassinations in northern Iraq. The men are reportedly members of Ansar al-Islam, a Kurdish group believed to have links to al-Qaeda.

Iranian officials say they are preparing war crimes charges against former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. A foreign ministry spokesman for Iran says their complaint involves the 1980 invasion of Iran and the use of chemical weapon there. The spokesman says the charges will be filed with the Iraqi court that is trying the former dictator.

In Afghanistan, peacekeepers believe they've discovered a clandestine bomb factory after an explosion at a residential compound in the capital of Kabul. Officials say yesterday's blast happened as three men were assembling bombs. Six people were wounded, three of them reportedly children. Three men were arrested, not clear though, if they had ties to any militant groups.

Up first this hour from the Golden Gate Bridge to the statue of liberty, Americans celebrating their independence from sea to shining sea this morning. In Washington, D.C., helicopters flying high before the fireworks as security is beefed up for the annual influx of visitors. Police are going to set up checkpoints on the National Mall. All coolers and backpacks and packages will be subject to inspection.

In South Dakota an early and colorful start to America's 228th birthday. This was the scene last night. There will be another night of fire in the sky this evening at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

And here in Hotlanta, they broke a sweat on a humid Fourth of July, running the 2004 Peachtree Road Race. Pulling out the men's win is Martin Lel at 28 minutes, two seconds. And for the women Susan Chepkemei who completed the race in 31 minutes and 54 seconds, among the 55,000 who took part in that huge race.

Dignitaries are gathered in New York at the ceremony for the new World Trade Complex. Officials laying the cornerstone this morning for the Freedom Tower. That takes place in about 90 minutes. Alina Cho is at ground zero right now. Good morning, Alina.

CHO: Good morning to you, Drew. In face, about 500 invited guests will be here including among them, about 100 9/11 family members, all will be here to witness the laying of the cornerstone for the Freedom Tower. As I mentioned a bit earlier, it will soon become the tallest building at ground zero, and in the world. The tower will be 1,776 feet tall, symbolic for the year of American independence, and of course, all of this is happening today on this Independence Day.

A little bit about the stone now. 20 tons of New York granite from the Adirondacks flexed with garnet -- red garnet which is the state's gemstone. It took three weeks to get this stone ready for today's ceremony. There's also an inscription on this stone which will be revealed today. That's been kept a secret until now. The stone will be placed in the southeast corner of this 70-foot deep foundation, here at ground zero, serving, as I mentioned, as the first piece of the Freedom Tower. The tower itself will be 70 floors high, not including the spire 60 floors will be offices, it will have an under -- an indoor observation deck, rather, a restaurant. Even wind turbines for power. When it's completed sometime in 2008, Governor George Pataki will become the first tenant.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. GEORGE PATAKI (R), NEW YORK: Everyone understands that this is more than a building, more than a site. It is a symbol of American freedom.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Both New York's and New Jersey's governors will be here, today. Also, here today, will be the mayor of New York City, and the highlight to today's event is expected to be the reading of the "Declaration of Independence" by the 13-year-old son of a port authority cop who died on September 11 -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina, it will be nice to watch something rise from that hole in the ground. Thank you for that report.

Now to Baghdad. They are part of the longest serving military unit in Iraq and they finally get to go home. On this Fourth of July, it seems fitting; members of the 1st Armored Division celebrating the end of their tour of duty. Soldiers from the 1st Calvary Division are replacing them and our Jane Arraf is at Camp Victory in Baghdad for the closing of the colors and beginning of the party, I guess -- Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Drew. The end of an era, the longest serving division in Iraq, the 1st Armored Division along with other elements, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment going home to Louisiana. The first A.D. soldiers going home to Germany, just like they thought they would be doing three months ago. Instead they were extended and out to fight the Mahdi militia, but they are finally going home. And they know it's real because this morning they had the ceremony in which they put away their flags.

Now over here at the 1st Cavalry which has replaced them, some -- a number of festivities for July 4th, as festive as you can have it in this intense midday heat. But very early this morning, just after dawn, they held the Peachtree Road Race; similar to the one held in Atlanta, but this one an Iraqi version, a 10 kilometer run that started at about 5:30 a.m. this morning. And we have a couple of soldiers with us, as well, to tell us, in their own words, what it's like spending the Fourth of July in Baghdad. First of all staff Sergeant Allen Johns from Michigan. How are you spending the day?

STAFF SGT. ALLEN JOHNS, U.S. ARMY: Basically I'm relaxing, today. Been running pretty crazy here for the last few months, getting everything in place and stuff, so just kind of taking a little bit of a break. My boss let me kind of have most of the day off.

ARRAF: Does it feel festive to you?

JOHNS: Oh, Very. I mean, on a daily basis you see very few people walking around in the heat, and today a lot more people.

ARRAF: How's it been so far? You have been here with a couple of months; you came in with the 1st Calvary.

JOHNS: It's a lot better than I expected it to be, to be honest with you. I was expecting a little bit more of a battlefield-type area and this seems more of a relaxed environment than what I was expecting. It's better than I anticipated.

ARRAF: Thank you. And, Sergeant Bryan Ellis, how's it been for you?

SGT. BRYAN ELLIS, U.S. ARMY: Well, it's been enjoyable, in the new experiences, and the different climate, different cultures and stuff. But it's the same, it's been relaxed and comfortable for the most part.

ARRAF: Does it feel dangerous to you?

ELLIS: Well, from time to time when we have to run a couple night missions, it's -- but other than that, I feel pretty much safe.

ARRAF: And what's it like having July 4th actually in Iraq? Does that give it special significance?

ELLIS: Yeah. It's interesting to celebrate the holidays over here in Iranian (SIC) country, just celebrated my birthday recently and now the Fourth of July and it kind of adds a little -- a little more pizzazz to everything, so yeah, it's enjoyable, very.

ARRAF: Thank you very much. You know, those are words you don't often hear, but probably if we asked more soldiers we would hear more of them, but pretty positive here, anyway, this Fourth of July, from soldiers who have been here a couple of months. Again, some very happy soldiers returning home after very difficult 15 months here with the 1st Armored Division.

And here, in just a bit there's going to be a band. And as a special treat for these soldiers, it is going to be an all-woman band -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Jane, I couldn't help but notice the Burger King insignia over Sergeant Ellis shoulder. They're going to get American fare this holiday 4th?

ARRAF: Yes, there's the traditional barbecue, although since it is about, and I'm guessing here, I have to admit, it is about probably 120 degrees, you don't really have a lot of events outdoors. So, basically what they have are people slaving away, grilling the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs and chicken, and being served in a nice air-conditioned dining facility. It's no fireworks, here. There are fireworks in some other bases, most notably in Tikrit. But certainly here we can't forget it's a military base. There was a rocket that landed here just a few hours ago, an almost daily occurrence. But, despite that, for some of these guys, it does feel a little bit like home -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Yeah, I imagine that rockets flying into the air are not what those guys want to see now. What's the band? Do you know the band? Is it somebody famous they're slipping in there?

ARRAF: I'm sure they will be famous some day. The name is "Thund Her Struck." And the "her" part is because it is an all-woman band. They would normally be tuning up right now, and they probably will be shortly, and I have to tell you, it did attract a great deal of attention when one of the band members just came out wearing, definitely something that was not a military uniform. So, that's tonight's entertainment -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Jane, it's nice to have you talking about lighter subjects from Iraq on this morning. Thanks for joining us.

Other developments from Iraq, the U.S. military says it can't confirm whether militants have killed Wassef Ali Hassoun, a missing American Marine corporal. A militant group says it beheaded Hassoun. The word came in a statement posted yesterday on an Islamic Web site. He's been missing for two weeks.

Iraq's interim prime minister is reportedly considering amnesty for Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite cleric. In an ABC interview, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said al-Sadr could receive amnesty if he follows through on a pledge to get rid of his militia.

The Iraqi government plans to announce partial amnesty tomorrow aimed at low-level insurgents. A spokesman for Allawi says those accused of murder will not be eligible.

And with the transfer of power in Iraq, a week ago, insurgent attacks and recent kidnappings, we haven't we heard much lately about efforts to rebuilding that country. A new U.S. government report shows how it's going and whether it is improving the lives of Iraqis.

CNN's Jeanne Meserve has the report card.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Electricity, critical to rebuilding Iraq's economy, improving the quality of daily life, and winning the population's support. But according to a new report from the General Accounting Office, 13 of Iraq's 18 provinces have fewer hours of electrical service now than when Saddam Hussein was in power.

DAVID WALKER, COMPTROLLER GEN. OF THE U.S.: We're rebuilding infrastructure that has been deteriorated over a number of years and has been a casualty of war, of looting, and of the insurgency.

MESERVE: The GAO says inadequate security is undercutting efforts to rebuild infrastructure, but that Iraq's security forces are poorly trained and equipped, understaffed and unready to fight. One analyst blames what she calls the "incompetent bureaucracy of the Coalition Provisional Authority," but also says the Iraqi people had unrealistic expectations.

DANIELLE PLETKA, AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE: I understand why they're there. If you've lived for 30 years under a horrible dictator, when he's gone you expect everything to come up roses. And in many ways we advertised that they would come up roses.

MESERVE: But new numbers from the White House show that of the $18.4 billion appropriated by Congress last fall to rebuild Iraq, only $366 million or about two percent have been spent. The office of management and budget argues that more than half the money is now in the pipeline. And the administration points to progress. Twenty-five hundred schools rehabilitated, 85 percent of children immunized, 50 percent more telephone users than before the war, and no Saddam Hussein.

J. ADAM ERELI, STATE DEPARTMENT: I find it difficult to argue persuasively that in Iraq -- an Iraq free of Saddam Hussein is worse off than an Iraq with Saddam Hussein.

MESERVE: Though angering frustration with the slow pace of building has been evident on the streets of Iraq, there appears to be hope that the new government can do better.

FEISAL ISTRABADI, ADVISOR, IRAQ GOVERNING COUNCIL: Hopefully the new government will be able to fulfill the major aims and hopes of the people of Iraq and not disappoint them.

MESERVE (on camera): But, it remains to be seen if the new Iraqi government can do a better job meeting those hopes than the U.S. and its allies.

Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Coming up, a different view of the fighting in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep your eyes open. If it's anything like last night, it's going to be over soon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: This is called a "Gunner Palace", a new documentary taking you inside with the troops. We're going to have a preview of that.

And this holiday weekend has security officials state-side on heightened alert protecting ports. That is coming up, plus this...

(WEATHER REPORT)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: July 4, 1776, General George Washington was defending New York City against the British. John Hancock sent him a copy of the "Declaration" on July 6th and Washington had it read to the troops.

Washington was known for demanding discipline and hard work from soldiers and so against tremendous odds. The Americans finally won the war in 1781.

With his reputation as a brilliant military leader, he was unanimously selected America's first president. In his farewell address in 1797, he warned against permanent alliances abroad.

A statue now stands in England with American soil beneath it as Washington refused to set foot on British soil again.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Almost everybody loves to grill, especially on the Fourth of July, but not everyone agrees on how to do it. That's why we are asking you which way is best, charcoal or gas. Our e-mail question of the day. E-mail us your answer at CNN -- wam@cnn.com. We're going to read your answers later in the hour. Some have been pretty interesting.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Other news on this Fourth of July, in southeastern Arizona a wildfire sparked by lightning is threatening an observatory that's home to some of the world's most powerful telescopes. The blaze now threatening Mount Graham International Observatory, that is 110 miles east of Tucson.

Pictures beaming through space of Saturn's largest moon have been -- has scientists beaming with excitement. Look at this beautiful shot. The Cassini spacecraft is taking shots of Titan -- there it is. Scientists say the images are, quote, "different than anything we have seen before." Cassini will photograph the 31 known moons of Saturn.

And no one has yet come forward to claim that mega lottery prize, one Mega Million's ticket sold in Massachusetts, is worth $290 million. The store's owner, a wine store in Owen, Massachusetts, took home 50 grand for selling it and everybody nearby is checking their tickets.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR ARMAND MERCIER, OWEN MASSACHUSETTS: I was a little bit disappointed when I checked my numbers and found that it wasn't me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: Slightly.

New security measures were put in place Thursday; they're aimed at making U.S. ports safer. CNN's Deborah Feyerick surveyed one of those ports.

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DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At a busy New York port, on an international cargo ship, six flights below deck, U.S. Customs inspectors search for weapons of mass destruction.

KEVIN MCCABE, U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: Over 90 percent of what we do is based on finding either a weapon or a terrorist weapon or a component of a terrorist weapon.

FEYERICK: Immediately after 9/11, when rumors reached a fever pitch, inspectors here got information a nuclear bomb had slipped into the United States in a cargo container sitting on the dock. The information was flawed, but as it turned out, not the concern.

(on camera): Do you think that if that container with the alleged nuclear device came into port now, that you would be able to find it in all of these containers?

MICHAEL HEGLER, U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: I feel more comfortable now in the technology and the people we have.

It's a little bit of radium 226. That's why it was going off.

FEYERICK (voice-over): Every year, more than 1.2 million containers are unloaded in New York area ports. Inspectors here say they manually check about two percent, those targeted as high risk, from countries like Thailand or Pakistan, for example. (on camera): What's not to say that components of a weapon of mass destruction have not made it into the United States?

MCCABE: We use all types of detectors. We have radiation detectors, x-ray imaging, gamma imaging, vapor tracers, ion track machines.

FEYERICK (voice-over): Counter-terror experts believe it detonated, a nuclear or radiological weapon could shut down a port for weeks, if not months, fueling front line inspectors like Kevin McCabe and Michael Hegler to keep searching.

HEGLER: It would be tremendously devastating for the shipping community, the residents around here, the terminals. Our job, though, is to go on these ships and take that threat away from going into the port.

FEYERICK: A threat once unthinkable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nothing found.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right, safe.

FEYERICK: Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Holidays allow no breaks in a presidential election year. President Bush and John Kerry are both on the campaign trail this Fourth of July. We'll have the latest on their days when CNN SUNDAY MORNING returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Happy Fourth of July, Las Vegas. Rob Marciano will have the forecast just a minute away, but first these headlines:

The Iraqi government is said to be considering amnesty for Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr. His militias have led attacks against U.S. forces. In an interview with "ABC News," Prime Minister Iyad Allawi says al-Sadr could receive amnesty if he disbands his army as he has promised.

Iranian officials say they are preparing their own war crime charges against former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. A foreign ministry spokesman says the complaint involves Saddam's 1980 invasion of Iran and the use of chemical weapons in the eight year war. A spokesman says the charges will be filed with the Iraqi court that's trying the former Iraqi leader.

We will check with weather, now. Vegas among one of the very hot spots.

(WEATHER REPORT) GRIFFIN: Thank you, Rob. Well, it is called "Gunner Palace," and it's interesting, but home sweet home. A documentary brings home the images from the war in Iraq. A coming attraction of the new film when CNN SUNDAY MORNING returns.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: France was America's most vital ally in the revolutionary war. Two months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, France sent 14 ships loaded with war supplies for America. Then, in December of 1776, Benjamin Franklin went to France to make the alliance official. A little over a year later, France signed a treaty recognizing America and stating France would not stop fighting until America won the war. In fact, France played a crucial role in the final blow to Great Britain. Twenty-eight French ships carrying 3,000 troops joined 7,000 French and American soldiers at the battle of Yorktown. When the fighting was over the British surrendered.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Is John Kerry ready to announce his running mate? We will have the news from his weekend road trip, just ahead. Welcome back, I'm Drew Griffin. That story is coming up, but first the headlines at this hour.

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