Disneyland raises flag to full staff, tightens security

Disneyland has increased security in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

ANAHEIM, California (CNN) -- Officials at Disneyland raised the U.S. flag to full staff Sunday for the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks against New York and Washington, as thousands of visitors and employees entering the park were subjected to bag and purse searches and a heavy security presence.

Walt Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner said the flag-raising ceremony was a way to end the official nationwide mourning proclamation by President Bush and to honor firefighters and police officers who lost their lives during the rescue efforts.

Disneyland closed its theme parks on the day of the terrorist attacks in the first non-weather related shutdown since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, according to spokesman Ray Gomez.

Employee vehicles and delivery trucks are being inspected by bomb sniffing dogs, electronic devices and security officers before entering the park. Uniformed police and plain clothes officers are also patrolling the park.

During Sunday's ceremony at Disneyland, Eisner stated the park would continue promoting itself as a magnet of entertainment and happiness for children and families and provide safety mechanisms "as vigorously as any time in history."