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Boston's July 4th Celebration May Strike A Different Tone

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Fireworks explode over the Charles River and the Boston skyline Monday, July 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Fireworks explode over the Charles River and the Boston skyline Monday, July 4, 2005. (Winslow Townson/AP)

It might be a sad irony about the times we live in, but the news about this year's Independence Day festivities in Boston has a lot to do with what you can't do.  The upcoming 4th of July celebration on the Esplanade is the city's largest event since the Marathon bombings, and safety, understandably, is on just about everyone's mind. Security will be much tighter this year than past years, with a bigger police presence, increased surveillance, and many more rules about what you can and can't bring on to the Esplanade.

Guest

David Abel, staff reporter for The Boston Globe.

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The Boston Globe: "This year’s celebration on the Esplanade, which traditionally draws about a half-million people and is the city’s largest event since the Marathon, is fraught with concerns. Some worry that no matter how much authorities beef up security, it will not be enough to stop a determined terrorist. Others call new rules banning everything from backpacks to wheeled coolers Draconian and insist they will sap the joy of lounging beside the river for the day."

This segment aired on July 2, 2013.

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