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 They have no intention of letting threats of further violence from
the militant Islamic State deter them from making the trip.
"The main goal of a terrorist attack is to create terror," David
Huddle said in a phone interview. "It's important to go on with your
life. You can't dwell on it or you'll never be happy."
Millions of New Yorkers and tourists are expected to line the
streets on Thursday for the parade, more than a week after Islamic
State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, released a video showing images
of New York juxtaposed with a scene depicting a suicide bomber
preparing for an attack.
 The group has claimed responsibility for the simultaneous attacks in
Paris on Nov. 13 that killed at least 130 people at a soccer
stadium, a concert hall, bars and restaurants. Some people said on Facebook and Twitter they would skip the parade
this year in light of the new threats, 14 years after the Sept. 11,
2001, attacks by al Qaeda that destroyed the World Trade Center in
Manhattan.
A school district on New York's Long Island called off a planned
December middle-school trip to Manhattan, while Penn State
University said it would cancel some student trips to Washington,
D.C., and New York.
But New York City officials have a simple response: Don't be scared.
"We can't change who we are," Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a public
event on Thursday, urging people not to alter their daily lives. "Do
we want to play their game? Do we want to give in to them?"
While they haven't given much operational detail, de Blasio and
Police Commissioner William Bratton said thousands of police
officers will be out in force on Thursday during the parade, which
typically draws millions to the streets of Manhattan.
Security efforts will be bolstered by a new counter-terrorism unit,
Critical Response Command, that includes more heavily armed
officers. Another unit created this year to respond to large
protests and other incidents requiring more manpower will also
assist patrol officers.
 Bratton said people should feel confident that the department is
able to handle any threat. His own grandchildren are visiting New
York for the first time next week and will attend the parade, he
said.
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"Celebrate, be aware, but do not be afraid," he said at a press
conference this week to address the Islamic State video. "The NYPD
will protect you."
City officials also said the footage shown in the Islamic State
video is old and that there is no evidence of a "specific and
credible threat" to New York.
Holly Thomas, a spokeswoman for Macy's Inc <M.N>, also offered
reassurance. "As with any public event in New York City, security
elements are extensive - from the very visible presence of law
enforcement officers to wide-ranging behind-the-scenes security
operations," she said.
Some youth groups headed to New York have sought to reassure parents
regarding their children's safety.
Organizers for the North Hardin band, for instance, have sent
parents a note in light of the "current world situation" outlining
the procedures in place, including chaperones and an emergency
texting service.
Huddle said some parents had asked about increased security
measures, but that the entire band still planned to travel.
Brad Pollock, the director for the Nogales High School marching band
in southern California, said his students were still excited to
perform in the parade.
"We're doing the best we can to keep everybody safe," he said. "It's
a very special honor to be able to do it."
(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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