[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,

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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.