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Macy's Annual Parade Provides Opportunities for Support and Recovery
Aired November 22, 2001 - 07:25 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: You know, for millions across the country and in the city of New York, today just wouldn't be Thanksgiving Day without the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Of course, that does take place in New York and this is the 75th annual version of it.
Our Maria Hinojosa is there this morning. She's out there on the streets as the preparations there are well under way -- Maria, how are things shaping up this morning?
MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, Leon, they're great. That's all I can tell you. They're great. I've got to tell you, I got out of my cab at 6:30 in the morning and there's nothing like getting out of a cab at 6:30 in the morning and seeing New Yorkers buzzing through the streets, kids on their dads' shoulders, people carrying lawn chairs. It really was a heartwarming feeling and it shows that this is a very special 75th annual Thanksgiving Day parade. It will have special meaning.
There will be a patriotic theme to this parade. It will start with Lady Liberty leading the paraders down Central Park West.
And part of what this special parade has for people now is where are they in their sense of recuperating? Where are they in their feelings of mourning? Are they ready to come out and celebrate? This is the first public holiday celebration that New York has. We did have the New York City marathon, but this is a holiday celebration.
And so whether or not people are deciding to come out has something to say with where they are in their mourning process. And some of the people who have came out here are people who have never been here before, people like Chet Biatrosbi (ph), who came from Denville (ph), New Jersey for the first time. Chet, why this time?
CHET BIATROSBI: I came here to support the New York people in their tragedy of the World Trade Center. This is my first parade. And I brought my granddaughter Christie Dungen (ph) with me.
HINOJOSA: And why this time? I mean there are some people who say they're too afraid to come out. For you?
BIATROSBI: I just came here to support all of the people and it's a great time. Everybody's here and we're just having a great time just for the World Trade Center.
HINOJOSA: And you're feeling safe?
BIATROSBI: I'm feeling very safe here, very safe.
HINOJOSA: And what about you, Christie? What does it mean for you to be -- this is your first parade, right?
CHRISTIE DUNGEN: Yes. The same thing, just to support the World Trade Center and give thanks.
BIATROSBI: And support all of the people.
HINOJOSA: And what do you think you're going to be chanting when you see those floats coming by? There are going to be some special floats with firefighters and police officers and emergency services workers. What are you going to yell out to them?
DUNGEN: That it's just great that they support our like world.
HINOJOSA: Support our world. So you're happy? You're giving thanks?
DUNGEN: Yes.
HINOJOSA: And what are you thankful for, Chet?
BIATROSBI: I'm thankful that I'm here with my granddaughter and I have all of the people around me and the crowds are great.
HINOJOSA: OK, wonderful. Well, that's part of what's going on here, Leon. A lot of people I've heard who have come to the parade every year have made a decision not to come back. But then you've got the stories of people who have never been here who feel that for this time for them it's the most important time to show up.
And just one last thing. There is going to be a premiere of a new float or a new balloon, rather. It's the Big Bird. I know that people wanted to know that. I know that people wanted to know that. I can't forget the importance of the balloons, which are huge -- Leon, back to you.
HARRIS: Well, that's obviously, that's why you wore the yellow, Maria, huh?
HINOJOSA: What? I'm sorry, Leon. What did you say?
HARRIS: Well, that's why you wore yellow, for Big Bird and Peek At You (ph), right?
HINOJOSA: That's exactly right, so I'll be spotted and not run over by the Peek At You. That's right, Peek At You is coming up, too.
HARRIS: Yes, he's about your size, too. All right, good deal. Maria, stay there. We'll get back to you in a little bit, all right?
HINOJOSA: OK.
HARRIS: Have fun. Stay warm.
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