Sunday, August 15, 2004

All is not lost.

Athens 2004

I've been watching the Games the past two days. The coverage of the Olympics is primo material for an uber-rant, but that will come later. I watched Michael Phelps' performance in the 400m IM last night and knew he won the event while breaking the world record, but it wasn't until this Sunday morning that I watched the rebroadcast of the awards ceremony for his event.

Pure Class, and Awareness for Anthem Etiquette

As Phelps was standing on the Gold Medal Podium, with a bouquet in left hand and a wreath of olive branches on his head, the announcer stated that the U.S. National Anthem would be played. Phelps turned to the second place finisher, another American, for a brief conference. On the first note of the National Anthem, both Americans removed their wreaths, and placed them over their hearts for the customary display of respect for the Anthem.

This guy is only eighteen years old. He knows enough about Flag and Anthem etiquette to do the right thing on a world stage during a time where the exhilaration of victory could cause him to forget the little things. My faith is restored.

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