And we WILL wave the flag, as we should, with pride......(pictures/sound)

[Dan Murphy]

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A few days ago, Mike Moran, a former spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee, and retained as a consultant to advise the athletes, said........

"American athletes find themselves in extraordinary circumstances in Athens in relation to the world as we know it right now.

Regardless of whether there is anti-American sentiment in Athens or not, the world watches Americans a lot now in terms of how they behave and our culture.

Using the flag as a prop or a piece of apparel or indulging in boasting behavior is becoming part of our society in sports, but we are trying, for 17 days, to break that culture.

I am telling the athletes, 'Don't run over and grab a flag and take it round the track with you. If a Kenyan or a Russian grabs their national flag and runs round the track or holds it high over their heads, it might not be viewed as confrontational."




Yesterday, The United States Olympic Committee Chief Executive Jim Scherr released a statement regarding U.S. athletes celebrating with the American flag this summer at the Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games.....

USOC Statement
Statement regarding U.S. athletes celebrating with the American flag in Athens

By Jim Scherr // USOC Chief Executive // May 18, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2004
Statement From United States Olympic Committee
Chief Executive Jim Scherr Regarding U.S. Athletes
Celebrating with the American Flag
at the Athens Olympic And Paralympic Games


"The United States Olympic Committee wants to make it absolutely clear that we have not -- and will not -- instruct our athletes to refrain from waving the United States flag during the upcoming Athens Olympic and Paralympic Games. Any suggestions or statements to the contrary do not reflect the official position of our organization.

Athletes will be free, as always, to celebrate their performances in an exuberant, respectful way during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We will remind our athletes that they are guests of the Olympic movement, Greece, and the city of Athens and to be good ambassadors of our country, their communities, families and sports. We want our athletes to be champions who conduct themselves with class and, if it is the case, to lose with grace and dignity. Additionally, we are reminding them to treat the United States flag with the respect it deserves.

One of the proudest moments of my life was to put on my USA warm-up and represent my country at the 1988 Olympic Games. I know our athletes feel the same way today and we will not in any way infringe upon that honor.

Accomplishments of athletes and teams such as the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team, the great Billy Mills, swimming legend Janet Evans and countless others have inspired our nation. We are certain that the athletes who represent the United States at the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games will do the same."

Let them wave those flags, proudly, as they have, as they should........

<center>

I say....

Darn it all, God Bless America </center>

 

[tiggersmom2]

Yes, God Bless America!

 

[Grog]

Great post Dan. Thanks. Love the SI cover!

 

[Pooh67_68]

I agree, American athletes should be able to wave our Flag when they win, just like any other country.

 

[liznboys]

GREAT post! Gives me chills.

 

[UncleKyle]

Amen Dan!!!! GREAT POST!

 

[Laura]

 

[Jeanny]

why SHOULDN'T any of the athletes be allowed to wave the Flag?? We are PROUD to have our Flag.

 

[Kallison]

Damn straight -- wave that flag.

 

[HollyJoy]

Wave the flag with pride.......always.

 

[bballmom56]

Love the pictures, Dan! Brings back a lot of memories. I watched and remember vividly the "Miracle on Ice". Still gives me chills. Thanks for the reminder that we can still show our pride for our flag and our country!

 

[NHAnn]

Nice post Dan...that music gives me goosebumps anyway

And I just want to tell you that in the second picture, of the two ladies celebrating the inaugural Gold Medal in Women's Ice Hockey, the one whose face is visible is Tara Mounsey, from my town, we know her family well

 

[CRB#33]

Amen to that!

 

[cati]

YES. I think they should be allowed to wave the flag all they want. We have the right just like Russia or any other country to be proud of who and where we come from and that we are proud of our flag.

Thanks Dan.

 

[liznboys]

Had to come and open this post again to hear the music before I head to bed!

Thanks Dan!!!!!!!!!!!! Night!

 

[Otto's Doll]

AMEN AMEN

 

[Pin Wizard]

Thanks, Dan! That's great!

 

[Pooh's Pal]

I hope they wave it higher than they ever have! They are proud of their country and their athletic accomplishments! And I think we should all join them in displaying our flags during the Olympics 2004! (Not just on special holidays or when a National disaster strikes!)

 

[liznboys]

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Great post Dan! Thank you!