Under a layer of fresh snow and a blanket of unprecedented security, America welcomed home the Winter Olympics Feb. 8 with an emotional opening tribute to its heroes, from the pioneers of the West to the thousands who perished in the terrorist strikes of Sept. 11.
In a powerful display that launched America's first Winter Games in 22 years, U.S. athletes, accompanied by New York police and firefighters, entered Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium holding the tattered flag recovered from the ashes of the World Trade Center.
A hush fell over the crowd at the sight of the flag, a giant hole ripped through the red and white stripes.
U.S. President George W. Bush watched the ceremony along with International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge.
"Your nation is overcoming a horrific tragedy — a tragedy that has affected the whole world," Rogge said. "We stand united with you in the promotion of our common ideals, and hope for world peace."
For a home crowd dressed in red, white and blue, the ceremony marked a break from a five-month mourning period defined by terrorism and war, anthrax and economic woes.
The $310 million (¥41.2 billion) security plan is the most extensive and expensive for a sporting event. During the two-week event, 16,000 soldiers, Secret Service agents, police and volunteers will search spectators, patrol venues and monitor the skies for possible threats.