    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 22, 2001]
    [Pages 1543-1544]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay Ceremony
    December 22, 2001

        The President. Please be seated. Good morning.
        Audience members. Good morning.
        The President. It's the kind of morning we expect when we're
    honoring the winter Olympics. This flame stands for the skill and
    dedication of friendly competition. I'm honored to take part in the 2002
    Olympic torch relay, and I'm really proud to welcome the Olympic spirit
    to America this winter.
        I want to thank Mitt Romney for coming.
    Mitt, it's great to see you again. I know Utah is well represented by
    the chairman, Congressman Jim Hansen. Thank
    you both for being here.
        I want to welcome all the members of the Salt Lake Organizing
    Committee and members of the United States Olympic Committee for being
    here, as well. These men and women have worked tirelessly and long,
    long, long hours to make sure that our country is well represented when
    the world starts focusing on us yet again in February of this year. I'm
    really proud of the work you've done. You've brought a lot of honor to
    America, and for that, Americans are grateful.
        The 2002 Olympic games will officially begin when this torch reaches
    its destination in Salt Lake City. Its 13,500-mile journey will bring it
    through 46 States, carried by some 11,500 torchbearers. Each
    torchbearer's story is a lesson in citizenship and courage and
    compassion.
        Two torchrunners with us today were deeply affected by the attacks
    of September the 11th. Liz Howell lost her
    husband,

    [[Page 1544]]

    Brady, in the attack on the Pentagon. Brady was fulfilling a lifelong
    dream by serving his country at the Pentagon. Liz left her native Utah
    to help Brady live that dream. Her participation in the torch relay
    represents the strength shown by so many families after September the
    11th. And Liz, our Nation prays with you during this holiday season. We
    pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
        Our other participant is a student, Eric Jones, who goes to George Washington University just a few
    blocks from the White House and the Pentagon. On September the 11th,
    Eric left the campus and headed to the Pentagon. He spent 4 days helping
    with the rescue efforts, and then he traveled to New York to do the
    same.
        Before he left the Pentagon, Eric helped
    carry out a symbol of American pride, the Marine Corps flag. Last week
    that flag flew high above the Earth on the space shuttle Endeavor. On
    behalf of all Americans, I thank these two torchbearers for their courage and for their compassion, for
    representing the best of our great country.
        I thank everyone who has worked so hard to make the Salt Lake City
    and the games a memorable site. I wish all our athletes Godspeed. I
    continue to pray the Lord's blessings for safety and security on our
    great land during the holiday season.
        Thank you all for coming. May God bless you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:27 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Mitt Romney, president and chief
    executive officer, Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 winter
    Olympic games.