Keller @ Large: Go To Esplanade For 4th Of July, Stand Up To Terrorism

BOSTON (CBS) - Terrorism is a scary thing. But I think I have an antidote to that fear for you - get down to the Esplanade on Monday and celebrate Independence Day with several hundred thousand of your fellow Americans.

Related: The 4th Of July Guide

The Esplanade on the Fourth? Is he kidding, you may be wondering? No, I'm not.

Related: Guide To Esplanade On 4th of July

First of all, the Esplanade on the Fourth may be one of the safest places on earth. Security will be tight, and I can assure you just about everyone there will be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior.

Secondly, the Fourth of July experience on the Esplanade will remind you of everything that is great about America. You will see the melting pot in action, all kinds of people of every possible religion, race and ethnic background, all enjoying a common experience - the exquisite pleasure of a beautiful day and night spent relaxing with family, friends and neighbors.

And there's another good reason to respond to terror by spreading your blanket down at the Hatch Shell. By showing up, you are making a small but meaningful statement of defiance against what the terrorists are trying to do and what they represent.

The 1812 Overture you hear at the climax of the concert was written by Tchaikovsky to mark Russian resistance to Napoleon's invading army. When you hear it play and the cannons fire, think of our own resistance to the jihadists and their stone age ignorance. When the pops launch into "The Stars and Stripes Forever," recall the lyrics of that song, which read in part: "Let despots remember…that it waves forever."

Terrorism isn't a reason to steer clear of the Esplanade celebration. It's the best possible reason to go.