On July 4, watchful revelry

Amid a slew of vague warnings about possible terror attacks, the nation is readying for its first Fourth of July since 9/11.

Patriotism is swirling in the air. So are F-16 fighter jets: Combat air patrols over key cities have been revived for the holiday.

Freedom is on people's minds. And in Boston, anyway, colorful security bands will be on the wrists of thousands of revelers – to prove that they have cleared key checkpoints, some with metal detectors.

In the skies over Washington and other cities, a new fireworks display called "The American Tribute" will debut: First a big burst of red, then silence, then a burst of white, then silence, then a burst of blue. On the ground at the National Mall, meanwhile, miles of rust-red snow fences – and 2,500 security officers – will restrict partygoers' movements.

In all, it may be the most armor-clad, security-conscious Independence Day in American history.

Yet despite all the July 4th jitters, many citizens seem downright determined to profess their patriotism outside and in public in gathered masses. Officials at mega-bashes in Boston, New York, and elsewhere expect big-as-ever crowds. And, in what may be an emerging trend, organizers of small-town events predict new influxes, too. These lower-security, less-crowded festivals – with three-legged races, face painting, and the like – seem to have new resonance after 9/11.

"We're not in a panic, but there is a sense that people are taking a deep breath and going out to play," says pollster John Zogby.

Take Jim Rowland, a Washington-area computer consultant who has come to the Mall on July 4 for years. "Yeah, it's intimidating," he says of new security measures and the threat of attack, but adds: "I don't respond to vague threats – only concrete ones." He'll be on the Mall "for sure."

A friend of his, Kim Koons, laughs a tad nervously at what she calls Mr. Rowland's "What, me worry?" approach. "It is a pretty fine opportunity" for terrorists to make a big impact, says the National Archives employee. She's not alone: In one poll, 57 percent of Americans said an attack is at least "somewhat likely" during the holiday.

Yet Ms. Koons, like many Americans, appears ready to overcome – or ignore – her fears. She'll probably go to the Mall.

If so, she'll encounter a whole new security regime. The Mall's nearest Metro stop – which 91,000 people used last year on the 4th – will be closed. Bomb-sniffing dogs will be on patrol. Revelers can't bring coolers or other big items. And every object and person at the usually wide-open Mall will be checked at 35 entrances by police with magnetic-wands. Concerned about bridge bombings, authorities have told boaters on the Potomac not to float under overpasses.

The most visible security measure is the parallel set of snow fences – about 10 yards apart – snaking around the Mall. Officers will stand between the fences to ensure unscreened people don't sneak in. Some wonder if the fences will do much good. "If someone's going to do something, I don't know if a little fence is going to stop them," says Martin Gould, a Park Service employee helping set up the fencing.

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