Winter Olympics Open Amid Tight Security

S A L T   L A K E   C I T Y, Feb. 8 -- The Winter Olympics opened tonight amid heightened security, tearful reflection and boisterous anticipation of the games ahead.

Lighting the 117-foot glass Olympic Cauldron toward the end of the ceremonies was Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 Olympic U.S. ice hockey gold medal-winning team, and his team mates.

Though an international event, the Games took on a heavier patriotic tone because of last year's terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A New York City police officer sang "God Bless America" during the pre-show portion of the ceremonies.

"Your nation is overcoming a horrific tragedy — a tragedy thathas affected the whole world," said International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge. "We stand united withyou in the promotion of our common ideals, and hope for worldpeace."

Braving below-freezing temperatures, President Bush opened the Games as 55,000 spectators and 2,500 athletes looked on.

After Bush walked on the field of Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium, the crowd became silent as a special delegation carried out the tattered U.S. flag that flew over the World Trade Center. Bush and spectators wiped tears from their eyes as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the delegates began folding the tattered flag.

But the silent crowd soon began to roar as they watched athletes from 77 nations parade into the stadium.

Later, Bush stood amid the U.S. Olympic team to officially launch the games. "On behalf of a proud, determined and grateful nation, Ideclare open the games of Salt Lake City, celebrating the WinterOlympic Games," Bush said.

Security Personnel Outnumber Athletes

The Games come almost five months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States. As such, security is the tightest ever with security personnel expected to outnumber athletes 6-1.

All spectators will be searched and the air space above Salt Lake City was closed to aircraft during the opening ceremonies.