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CNN Live Today
Americans Get Ready to Celebrate Fourth of July
Aired July 04, 2002 - 12:01 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There is no shortage of red, white, and blue across the country as Americans celebrate the nation's independence today. On this Fourth of July, there is a renewed sense of patriotism and reflection in the wake of September 11th, and with that, unprecedented security to protect Americans on this special day.
Our Fourth of July coverage begins with CNN's Patty Davis at the Washington Mall. Hi there, Patty, and what is going on there now?
PATTY DAVIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fredricka. Well, the crowds are starting to pick up now. About 500,000 people are expected here today on the Washington National Mall to enjoy the Fourth of July, as you said, unprecedented security. There are double snow fences encircling the entire Mall, heading over to the White House as well, over to the Jefferson Memorial, the tidal basin, 2,000 police officers on duty here, helicopters above.
Now, we are joined by United States Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers. I've never seen security like this before at a July 4th event here in Washington. Is there a specific threat? Is that why this is so tight?
CHIEF TERESA CHAMBERS, NATIONAL PARK POLICE: Well, Patty, there is no specific threat. But, as you know, this is our first Independence Day celebration since the attack on America on September 11th, and so we have been in a heightened state of alert. And this is the best way to ensure that folks will feel comfortable in coming out to join us today. What better way to stand up to terrorism than coming here to the nation's capital and stand tall and proud together as Americans and enjoy our freedom.
DAVIS: People are being funneled through just 24 checkpoints. Do you think that this security is going to discourage people from coming down? What are you hearing? What are you seeing?
CHAMBERS: Well, I stopped at one of the checkpoints this morning, just as it was opening. People had stood in line for nearly a half hour at that point. They were exuberant. They were ready for a day of festivities, and as they passed the officers, they said thank you. Thank you for setting up these checkpoints. Thanks for helping us have a safe and secure day.
DAVIS: There's been some concern about these double fences. In case there is an accident or there's an event, how are people going to get out over those fences?
CHAMBERS: Well, the officers that we've deployed around actually will play a part in that, in helping to lower the fences themselves. In fact, as the fireworks end tonight, we'll be rolling back the fences so that we don't have to funnel people back through those very narrow openings.
DAVIS: One other big story here today, the heat. It is brutally hot, 99 degrees expected.
CHAMBERS: It is.
DAVIS: Heat index much higher, excessive heat warning out. What are you telling people who are coming down here to the National Mall, and is that going to take away any of your resources? Are you concerned about that?
CHAMBERS: Well, we've added extra resources just for medical attention, even from my own officers in fact. We've got a team to come out and make certain that they are hydrated, that they can get sufficient breaks. So when you come down, bring lots of water. Your coolers are welcome, just understand that the more you bring, the longer it will take to get through the checkpoints. Water, something that can replenish your system, nutrition will make for a perfect day for us. There is no better place to celebrate America's independence than our nation's capital.
DAVIS: All right, thank.
CHAMBERS: Thank you, Patty.
DAVIS: United States Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers. Lots of security down here at Washington's National Mall, hoping to make this a safe Fourth of July celebration, the big day already underway. It's highlighted by a concert at the U.S. Capitol featuring Chuck Berry and Aretha Franklin, and then of course, those spectacular fireworks that go against the Washington Monument as the background -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: Always a beautiful backdrop. Thank you very much, Patty Davis from the Washington Mall.
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