August 12, 2008
Sears Tower Presents Olympic Wall of Flags
As I was watching the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday, one of the most awe-inspiring moments was seeing the flags from all 200+ nations waving next to each other, just before the Olympic Torch was lit. For me, it was a symbol of the global unity that is temporarily achieved during these Games. While there are plenty of politics to debate outside the stadium, inside lies the purity and passion of sport.
Chicago is showing its own support by displaying a wall of flags in the lobby of the Sears Tower. The exhibit features more than 200 flags from every country participating in this year's Olympics, plus Chicago's very own flag.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Jordi Meneses
Midway Arpt., IL
August 13th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I agree, it is an event that brings us all together but I can see in the future this event iamge getting very blurred due to politics
August 14th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
The Olympics have always had to deal with politics. For the past hundred years and then some, there is always some conflict between two countries or more. And yet, the Olympics have survived. Athletes have been allowed safe passage through enemy nations. The passion of sports has overcome violent borders. (For example, East and West Germany competed together at the Olympic Games.) Yes, there have been a few problems (Suez crisis, Cold War), but in comparison to their long history, the Olympic Games have generally provided a safe haven from the rest of the world.