Americans vigilant, but continue usual Thanksgiving celebrations

NEW YORK (AP)

Americans paused Thursday to celebrate their blessings despite terrorism fears and racial tensions over fatal police shootings across the country. A record number of police officers patrolled the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, while St. Louis resumed its annual parade, canceled last year amid protests over Michael Brown's death.

At the White House, President Barack Obama spent a quiet holiday with a traditional meal. Here's a look at how other Americans celebrated:

Spectators at the annual Macy's parade oted a stepped-up police presence, with officers perched on buildings like Radio City Music Hall and watching from helicopters hovering overhead.

"It's a little scary, but at least it's keeping us safe," Kim Miller, of Boston, said of the heavy security. "We're having fun."

City officials have said there are no known, credible threats against New York following the deadly attacks in Paris and a video purportedly produced by the Islamic State group that contained footage of Times Square. But Police Commissioner William Bratton said more than 2,500 officers would nevertheless be stationed along the parade route for the Thanksgiving festivities - the largest number of officers the department has ever assigned to the event.

The parade, in its 89th year, included marching bands and floats along with Hello Kitty, Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants and other giant balloons.

Pamela and Tom Popp of Ridgefield, New Jersey, said they've come to the parade every year for at least 20 years.

"It's just a very special part of our holiday," Pamela Popp said. "We're very proud of New York City and this wonderful tradition."

Her husband noted the right security. "I see the cops on top of Radio City," Tom Popp said. "Never saw that before."