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Torchbearers in Alaska
When the Olympic torch traveled through Alaska recently, it stirred extraordinary emotion among torchbearers and spectators. News Specialist Jed Boal tells you about some of the torchbearers.
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(Jan. 26, 2002)------ When the Olympic flame touched down in snowy Alaska this week for the first time ever it was greeted by the people of Juneau.
They were eager to let the flame sweep them away in the tradition....day 50 of 65 on the Torch Relay.
Jerry Atkin/President-SkyWest Airlines: THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT IS SO STRONG, AND WE'RE SO PROUD TO BE PART OF IT.
A select crew from SkyWest Airlines carried the flame to Alaska.
On the ground 51 torchbearers passed it along a route shadowed by the massive Coast Mountains.
IT'S VERY MEANINGFUL TO ALL OF US IN ALASKA.
The simple passing of the Olympic flame seems to symbolically bind those who carry it with all others who will touch the torch.
Alaskan torchbearers said the flame represents peace, sportsmanship and this year...something more.
Deana Johnson/Alaskan Torchbearer: I'M A FLIGHT ATTENDANT AND THIS HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT YEAR. WE LOST SO MANY CO-WORKERS. I DEDICATED THIS RUN TO THEM.
Jed Boal/Eyewitness News: THE TOWN WAS SO HYPED UP ABOUT THE TORCH, EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN. EVERYONE SHOWED UP ON THE STREETS.
Down on Gastineau Bay the Tlingit Indains who first settled the area helped ferry torch along the route by canoe.
The native Americans have fished these waters for centuries, and passed traditions from generation to generation.
Ethel Lund, who carried the torch on the canoe said people from all over the state gathered to be a part of the Olympic tradition.
To feel the bond among all traditions of the world.
Ethel Lund/Alaskan torchbearer: IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO ME. IT'S HARD TO VERBALIZE. IT MEANS PEACE. IT SEEMS SO APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME.
Momentum builds with every mile.
The world watches and waits for the final torchbearer to light the caldron at Olympic Stadium, February 8th.
