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Olympic Ovation

The flag-bearers marched into Atlanta’s brand new Olympic Stadium.  Parading in a continuous line around the Stadium’s track, each person carried the flag of a different country and a small sign identifying that country.  There was one for each of the 197 nations participating in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.  In the stands, watching this colorful display, were the thousands of volunteers who were helping to host the Games.  To thank these volunteers, Olympic organizers had invited them to the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremonies.

As each new flag became visible, the crowd cheered for the flag-bearers as if they were medal-winning athletes. One by one, they began their walk around the track.  Finland marched in ahead of France, which led the way for Gabon.  Shortly after the flag of Gambia was carried into the stadium, the crowd's enthusiasm reached its highest level yet.  Stepping onto the track was the flag of Georgia.  The Russian Republic of Georgia.

At the sight of the word Georgia, the crowd feverishly cheered and whistled.  It did not seem to matter that this was not the same Georgia that was hosting the Games.  All that mattered was the name on the sign.

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