Columbus Day parade marches up Fifth avenue

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani refused to bow to fear today, marching in a Columbus Day parade that combined a traditional celebration of Italian-American heritage with a patriotic theme.

Security was tight in the city still counting its dead from the September 11 attacks.

Following military strikes in Afghanistan, the US State Department is warning about the possibility of ‘‘strong anti-American sentiment and retaliatory actions against US citizens and interests throughout the world’’.

As the parade began at noon in Manhattan, Giuliani said ‘‘this demonstrates that we’re going ahead with our lives. We’re not going to let terrorism hinder us’’.

Called The Columbus Day Parade Honours America, the event began with a rendition of God Bless America as marchers began moving up the 30-block parade route on Fifth Avenue. The parade was dominated by American flags and marching bands playing patriotic songs.

Giuliani walked at various times with Governor George Pataki and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, taking an hour to negotiate the entire route. Mayoral candidates Michael Bloomberg, Mark Green and Fernando Ferrer marched as well.

Police and firefighters were represented by vehicles from each department, rather than their usual complement of marchers. The Fire Department lost 343 members in the attack that destroyed the World Trade Centre; the police lost 23 officers.

Following Sunday’s retaliatory strikes in Afghanistan, New York City increased security at airports, bridges, tunnels and landmarks such as the Empire State Building.