NY saw unprecedented security as millions of people turned out on Thursday to celebrate the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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The “thousands and thousands” of officers that Mayor Bill de Blasio said are going to be protecting the parade today will range from uniformed patrols to officers in plainclothes.
“We live in a society of being fearful”, said spectator Jacqueline Williams, 52, of Atlanta, who was viewing the parade for the first time.
How long has the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade been a thing anyway?
Two brand new balloons – Scrat from “Ice Age” and Angry Birds’ Red, will join more than a dozen very big character balloons including favorites from prior years like Hello Kitty, Elf on the Shelf, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and Snoopy & Woodstock.
He added, “We can not let the terrorists succeed at psychological warfare….” It’s one of those traditions that you just turn on nearly instinctively year after year, since it kicks off the Thanksgiving Day festivities and is a nice precursor to turkey and all of the other great stuff later.
Bratton said the show of force should “heighten the sense of security”, but reminded parade-goers and New Yorkers, “don’t be afraid, be aware, it’s part of the new world we live in”.
President Barack Obama sought to reassure Americans on Wednesday they are safe to take to roads, trains and planes over the holiday.
“What we are focused on and continue to be focused on, as we have before Paris, are potential copycat acts”, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said.
In previous years, fans have been able to see the parade live online on EarthCam.com.
The 2014 parade was supposed to be held several days after a St. Louis County grand jury chose to not indict former Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, in Brown’s death.
“I sleep overnight here”, said Galea, 90, of West Branch.
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Speaking of those you might see on TV, the Nation family from the Bay City area will return this year as balloon handlers.
