The Olympics started Friday night with the opening ceremonies. Any human with a warm compassionate heart would have been touched to see the flag that came from the World Trade Center that fateful day in September being carried by American athletes and escorted by the Port Authority of New York.

In reading the editorial’s board opinion about the flag and how the Olympics are an international event, we were extremely disappointed in our fellow students that wrote this editorial.

Granted, the Olympics are an international event, but when the host country becomes the center of attention for the whole world for 16 days of competition, the host country has a right to put their own spin on the events.

The carrying of the World Trade Center flag touched the hearts of many who were present of the ceremonies.

It symbolizes our country’s will to overcome tragedy and also symbolizes that we have not forgotten. The five-month anniversary falls during the Olympics. Even other countries’ athletes were carrying small American flags in their hands during the Parade of Nations, showing their support and love for our country.

Had another terrorist attack happened, the Olympics may not have occurred. President George W. Bush or other world leaders could have completely cancelled the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics or not allowed their athletes to travel to Salt Lake City.

That flag that was from the World Trade Center has so much symbolism in the world because it showed each country that we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.

President Bush and the Olympics committee are doing everything they can for security to prevent attacks. One of every six dollars spent is being spent on security. We are ensuring the world’s athletes, coaches, trainers, etc. safety as they stay in our country.

So, think about that when you write your next editorial putting down the International Olympic Committee’s decision to let the World Trade Center flag be brought in.

Dawn Frehse

Junior

Hotel, restaurant and institutional management

Mary Matthews

Junior

Mechanical engineering