[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 52 (Monday, December 31, 2001)]
[Page 1825]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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, 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.