Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/10/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NEW YORK/ RALLY (L-O)

NUMBER=2-302057

BYLINE=BARBARA SCHOETZAU

DATELINE=NEW YORK

VOICED AT:

INTRO: As many as 15-thousand New Yorkers, mostly union workers, gathered today (Thursday) at the site of the devastated World Trade Center, known as Ground Zero, for a rally in support of U-S troops in Iraq. From V-O-A's New York Bureau, Correspondent Barbara Schoetzau reports.

/// PATAKI LEADING CHANTS ////

TEXT: New York Governor George Pataki led the flag-waving crowd in roars of approval for U-S troops. Mr. Pataki reminded the crowd of the significance of the rally site.

/// PATAKI ACT ///

I am proud of all of you, not just because you are here today. But for many of us in New York, the war in Iraq did not start when the bullets started in March. The war started right here on September 11, 2001.

/// END ACT ////

Among the speakers at the lunchtime rally were relatives of U-S troops, such as Sehilla Macias, whose husband is a Marine in Iraq.

/// MACIAS ACT ///

They need to see and know that we are behind them all the way and that we are extremely proud of them and the sacrifices they have made. We are waiting here with open arms for your return.

/// END ACT ///

Some in the crowds saw the rally as a chance to endorse the war in Iraq. For others, it was simply a chance to support the soldiers.

/// PARTICIPANT ACT ///

I want to let all the troops know that we support them 100 percent and that America is behind them, and we are proud of the job they are doing. God bless us all.

/// END ACT ///

The event was sponsored by the Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents many of the workers who helped clear the Ground Zero site in the weeks and months after the terrorist attack, and are now involved in the rebuilding effort. (Signed)

NEB/NYC/BJS/PT/TW