Return to Transcripts main page

On the Story

75th Macy's Parade Honors Heroes and Victims

Aired November 22, 2001 - 07:48   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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: There you see the scene that we're getting there at the head of the Macy's Day -- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade I should say, the 75th addition of it all set and about to get under way in about, oh, just under about an hour and a half from now, and our Maria Hinojosa just outside that crowd there on the streets of New York. Let's go to her now live -- Maria.

MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey Leon, I got to tell you, it's pretty wonderful to see so many New Yorkers and New York tourists smiling. I just have to say it's just wonderful, but if you're a smart New Yorker, you would have already been here an hour ago to get your seats because let me tell you there are no seats to be had for this 75th annual Thanksgiving Day parade, which obviously takes on a very special meaning for a lot of people who are coming into the parade -- maybe sometimes for the first time.

Of course, a lot of people want to know how the police officers and sergeants are feeling, so Sergeant Ortiz, who's from the Bronx, who grew up in the Bronx, Puerto Rican, but never came to the parade as a kid, has now been here for five years -- right?

SERGEANT ORTIZ: That's right.

HINOJOSA: And what does the parade mean for you this particular time Sergeant Ortiz?

ORTIZ: Well it's a great time for all New Yorkers to get together, especially after the tragedy of September 11th. Everyone here is friendly. Everyone's having a great time, and I'm going to have a great time too.

HINOJOSA: What's going on for you as you're seeing how people are coming out -- the people lining up on the streets. What's going on for you?

ORTIZ: Nothing really. New Yorkers and New York is a great place to live. I'm going to stay here the rest of my life.

HINOJOSA: And for people who are saying well I don't know if I feel so safe -- you know, you're safe?

ORTIZ: You're safe, believe me. There's enough of us all around. Believe me, there's enough -- there's enough police personnel around. HINOJOSA: And even some obviously that we won't even see because they'll be under cover.

ORTIZ: Well we can't talk about that.

HINOJOSA: We can't talk -- in fact, part of what we ...

ORTIZ: (INAUDIBLE) they are.

HINOJOSA: Right. Right. Because part of what -- a lot of people have said that they're concerned about security, but we don't get any details about that. Thank you Sergeant Ortiz. Now some people who have been coming for a long time include Bruce and Tara Myer who are -- Bruce grew up in New York and used to come to the parade, but now lives in New Jersey and you decided to come this year to keep the tradition going.

BRUCE MYER: That's right, we've been going for -- this is our 13th year and we thought about not coming. We said no way. We don't care. We're going to continue, live on with our tradition. Nothing was going to stop us, and we feel great. It's fantastic out here. The people are happy. The people are relaxed. It's a warm day. People should come on out and see the parade today.

HINOJOSA: Well if they can get a seat, of course. Now Tara, what about for you? You've been coming since you were one-year old.

TARA MYER: Yes. I think it's great that we came (INAUDIBLE), see all the different floats. Every year they have something new. And it's a great turnout this year even because of September 11th, and I feel safe and everything's fine. I'm excited.

HINOJOSA: And when you told your classmates that you were coming out, some classmates who were saying no, we're not doing. What did they say to you?

MYER: Most people said it was great that you have a chance to come to the parade. But some people -- you know some people thought that it might not be as safe or they might be scared. But I said you know we're still going and I think it's going to be fun.

HINOJOSA: Great. All right. Well thanks very much. As you can see some real diehards who will not keep anything away from -- keeping them away from this parade. Back to you Leon.

HARRIS: Well I tell you Maria, you started off talking about how good it is to see New Yorkers smiling. It's nothing compared to what it feels like to watch those New York police officers behind you smiling. That was a great scene.

HINOJOSA: That's right.

HARRIS: Good deal. All right. Thanks Maria. We'll check back with you later on. Stay warm -- OK?

HINOJOSA: OK. HARRIS: All right. We'll be checking back with Maria and we'll have much more for you in just a few moments. Don't go away. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com