For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 22, 2001
President Welcomes Olympic Torch Runners to White House
Remarks by the President at 2002 Olympic Torch Relay Ceremony
The South Lawn
8:27 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Please be seated. Good
morning.
AUDIENCE: 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. (Applause.)
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. (Applause.)
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 torch
bearers. Each torch bearer's story is a lesson in
citizenship and courage and compassion.
Two torch runners 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. (Applause.)
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 four 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 torch bearers 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. (Applause.)
END 8:30
P.M. EST
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