JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Strong symbolism today at Kandahar airport, where U.S. Marines raised a special American flag. The pool correspondent, David Wright, reports from southern Afghanistan.</s>DAVID WRIGHT, POOL REPORTER (voice-over): For the Marine Corps, the flag is an icon of freedom and of sacrifices made in the name of honor. This flag has special significance. It was found in the rubble of Ground Zero, and is dedicated to civilians, the first causalities in this war. It was inscribed at Ground Zero by family members of the victims, by firefighters, FBI agents and police officers, and by New Yorkers, brought together by a tragedy. The stars carry the names of police officers who lost their lives September 11, as well as sailors who died on the USS Cole. (on camera): The flag belongs to the New York Police Department's emergency services unit, many of whose members are former Marines. They felt it important that the flag come to Afghanistan as a powerful reminder to these Marines of what they're fighting for. (voice-over): This morning, in the courtyard of Kandahar airport, the three Marines charged with raising the flag stood stock still for a good 15 minutes as the men gathered to reflect on its significance.</s>SGT. GERALD LANE, U.S. MARINE CORPS: To have this one signed by families of victims, police officers from New York City, have flown in New York City, to bring able to bring it out here, take this airfield and raise that flag, that means a lot to all the Marines and sailors that are here, and all the armed forces, I'm sure.</s>WRIGHT: The assembly saluted as the stars and stripes climbed slowly up the flagpole. It hung there for a moment, tentative and quiet before it found a gust and unfurled in the morning sun. David Wright with the U.S. Marines in Kandahar.
U.S. Troops Raise Special Flag