CRI听力:US July 4th Celebration on High Terrorism Alert

"Happy 4th of July everybody."

With the good wishes from President Obama, the American people started their celebration early in the morning. As a tradition, families gather along the Constitution Ave. in Washington D.C. to watch and participate in the annual Independence Day Parade.

"I have lived in this area for about ten years. I tried to come to the parade every year."
This is Phil Helgerson, who lives in southern Maryland, not far from the capital. And this year, the tradition includes even more excitement. His grandsons are also participating.

"I have two grandsons in high school in Massachusetts. And their band was chosen to represent Massachusetts in the parade so it's exciting to see them come all the way from there."

The big party aims to represent all parts of the United States, all of its 50 states. It consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, a variety of specialty units and equestrians.

"Happy birthday America."

4-year old Hollace Oaks comes with her parents from Virginia, about four hours drive to DC. The family dresses her up with the elements of the American National Flag, which is a red, white and blue celebration. Her mother Missy Oaks has a day plan for the family.

"We are here to see the parade and afterwards we gonna go over and get a spot in capitol hill so we can watch the fireworks tonight and listen to the concert and just enjoy the day in Washington D.C. "

When people are having fun with the Parade, security staff are on highly alert. Both home and abroad, US leaders have been taking steps to increase security, following a warning from security officials that the July 4th celebration could be targets of a terror threat. An air show at a US Air Force base in Britain has just been canceled yesterday. And states like New York have all increased security efforts, putting officials on high alert.

In D.C., there are more police officers guarding the parade this year with only a few steps between the two stand guards. Plus, more patrol officers can be seen riding motorcycles back and forth. The good news is the majority of people are less worried than the authorities.

"I'm not that concerned about that. I think the security here is outstanding."

"We still think we should celebrate America and come out and just enjoy the day. So we're just thinking in a very positive way that we should enjoy and celebrate America."

The one day celebration will be continued later today with an all-star concert in front of the Capital Hill and be concluded with the traditional firework performance at the Washington Monument.

For CRI, I'm He Fei in Washington.