US: The White House is encouraging Americans to shed their fears and kick up their heels for massive July 4th Independence Day celebrations today.
Ten months after the September 11th attacks shattered the illusion of US immunity from terrorism, Americans were told to "leave the worrying to us" and enjoy the party.
"A variety of actions are being taken on the ground in terms of greater resources, greater surveillance, greater protection, greater prevention," said White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer.
Americans have been receiving mixed messages in the wake of September 11th. Reassured one minute, they are told the next that terrorist attacks could be "imminent". Only two days ago, the State Department said it had received credible information that Americans around the globe could face imminent terror attacks, including suicide assaults.
The White House, however, sought to be reassuring and Mr Fleischer said "nothing specific" prompted the July 4th security precautions apart from the concern that "when the American people gather in large numbers, it can become something of a target".
As the US fetes one of the year's most important holidays with the traditional barbeques and park outings, as well as the annual fireworks display, authorities will be out in force to thwart would-be attackers.
President Bush's Homeland Security Council will monitor more than 2,000 medium-to-large events or gatherings throughout the country, staying in touch with officials on the ground, said Mr Fleischer.
"There will be enhanced local police and FBI presence throughout the country" as well as aerial military patrols over a number of US cities," he added.
"There will be a substantial series of beefed-up actions across the country to help make sure that the American people are safe.
"The president's message to America is to celebrate, to enjoy the holiday," Mr Fleischer added. "Leave the worrying to us."
According to opinion polls, that is just what most Americans intend to do. A USA Today poll yesterday showed that terrorism was low on the list of Independence Day fears.
Most people were more concerned about drunken drivers (64 per cent) and accidents caused by firecrackers (14 per cent) than by terrorism (8.9 per cent), according to the poll of 1,001 adults in early June.
New Yorkers are ready to let their hair down, with 92 per cent of people polled in a separate survey saying they will not change their party plans. The Quinnipiac University survey found that 38 per cent thought a terrorist attack possible and 10 per cent said it was very probable.
The entire New York Police Department has been mobilised for today and extra security measures are in place for the massive fireworks display over the East River. - (AFP)