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Security tight for September 11 anniversary
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As part of the heightened state of alert in the United States, every federal air marshal will be deployed Wednesday, armed missile launchers will be situated around the nation's capital, and airport security workers will conduct extensive searches of bags and passengers. The Coast Guard said it is bolstering its patrols and working closely with the Defense Department, FBI, Homeland Security Office and other law enforcement agencies to monitor U.S. waters and ports. In addition, the Pentagon raised its terrorist alert for U.S. military forces around the world, including putting troops in Bahrain at the highest alert level, condition Delta. Embassies and consulates have been closed for a review of their "security posture" in Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as in Malawi, Pakistan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Tajikistan. Those are just a few of the unprecedented security measures being implemented as America grieves one year after the September 11 attacks killed almost 3,000 people. "We will do everything we can to protect the American people, and Americans need to go about their lives," President Bush said Tuesday. U.S. officials for the first time Tuesday raised the nation's terrorist alert status from "yellow" to "orange," signifying a high risk of terrorist attacks. Bush plans to attend ceremonies at the three sites of last year's attacks -- the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and the Pennsylvania field where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after passengers battled with the hijackers. The Secret Service will coordinate security at those events. People who attend will have to go through security checkpoints, including metal detectors. Police will search bags and dogs will sniff out the areas for bombs. In New York, where about 2,800 people were killed in the attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center, security will be especially tight. The city's landmarks, religious institutions and places where there are commemorative ceremonies will get a special focus, with law enforcement officers patrolling rooftops and scuba teams patrolling docks and harbors, police said. There will be unannounced security checks at bridges and tunnels. Guards at the New York Stock Exchange said the city may close subway entrances within six blocks of the stock exchange and restrict access to many streets in Lower Manhattan and around Ground Zero. Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions will be in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday. Ground Zero will be the center of a 30-nautical mile radius in which there will be no "general aviation flying" before, during and after outdoor events on the three days. Flight restrictions have also been ordered over Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. U.S. Capitol Police had been on a heightened state of alert since last Friday. Capitol Police are working 12-hour shifts and no additional leave is being granted. The heightened security will be in effect through Wednesday and as long as the situation warrants, said Lt. Dan Nichols. In Pennsylvania, State Trooper Tom Spallone said police will have logistical and traffic headaches in Shanksville, with 20,000 to 30,000 people expected to descend on the area. "It's a small country town. Most of the roads to the crash site are two-lanes," Spallone said. "Our biggest job is getting people in and out." No one is permitted to drive to the crash site. Buses are being provided and a perimeter will be set up around it. Other developments
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