THE OLYMPIC FLAME

The Olympic torch run provided a perfect backdrop for area Memorial Day celebrations. The torch activities brought together not only this community, but drew people from many other surrounding cities and states.

The trek of the torch across the United States will bring it within a two-hour distance of 90 percent of the U.S. population. Cape Girardeau and Jackson were fortunate to have the Olympic flame at their front doorsteps. The ceremony at the foot of the courthouse steps in downtown Cape Girardeau marked one of only 160 stops along the Olympic torch route. What made the day all the more special is the fact this marks the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic games.

The Olympic flame from Greece arrived in Cape Girardeau aboard a 19-car train. A special cauldron car -- designed to protect it from rain and wind -- carried the flame on its 3,500-mile rail journey.

The notion of carrying the flame from coast to coast worked as not only a fund-raising effort, but also as a way to bolster enthusiasm for the games across the country.

Patriotism is becoming vogue again in this country, thanks in part to such events as the Olympic games when people put aside their differences to stand side by side as Americans. It was fun to see about 40 local runners taking part in this historic torch run. Each person carried the torch for one kilometer, or about six-tenths of a mile. These individuals were selected to carry the flame through regional contests sponsored by the Area Wide United Way and the Coca-Cola company.

The local run was one of three local methods of transportation for the torch. After arriving by train, the torch was carried by runners to Jackson. It was then handed off to cyclists who carried it up Highway 61 to Fruitland and Perry County. Before it arrives in Atlanta, the torch will travel by runner, bicycle, train, horseback, canoe, steamboat, steamer, plane and sailboat.

The local runners and cyclists were part of 10,000 torchbearers nationwide who will carry the flame to Atlanta in time for the start of the games July 19. The torch route began in Los Angeles April 27, and the flame will travel 15,000 miles during its 84-day journey.

It isn't the first time an Olympic torch has passed this way. In 1984, during the Los Angeles games, the torch also came through Cape Girardeau. During that trip, the torch visited 33 states on a 9,375-mile course that involved 3,636 torchbearers. But the fact this trip occurred on a major holiday allowed for bigger crowds and more time to celebrate the event.

Nancy Jernigan and the Area Wide United Way deserve particular credit for coordinating the runners and the local reception for the torch. They also worked hard to help line 12-mile local route from downtown Cape Girardeau to Jackson and Fruitland. That was quite a challenge, which the United Way met with flying colors. Bringing the torch to the area involved the efforts of many volunteers. It reflected a true team effort, in the spirit of the Olympics.