I will never forget the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. I have always loved the Olympics since I was a child but in 2002 I felt a connection that will never leave me. I got to carry the actual Olympic flame through the town of Berthoud. It was one of the greatest honors of my life. I think of all the history of that flame and all the places it has been and I was holding that. WOW!!

Brian Gary, TSM
Brian Gary, TSM
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I remember my family being so proud of me and all gathered along the route cheering me on. The greatest memory I have of carrying the torch was on the road walking with it. I got to keep the torch and I hold it at the beginning of each Olympic games to make me feel a closer to the event but that is not the best part. The best was on that route walking with it. They had two people walking beside me who had the honor of being "torch escorts" and they got to walk along side of me while I carried the torch for my portion of the trek. As I was walking I turned to the escort and asked him if he would like to carry it for awhile. To see the look of amazement and gratitude on his face was more fulfilling than carrying the torch itself.

Brian Gary, TSM
Brian Gary, TSM
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I had the opportunity to take the torch to the 5th grade class at St. Mary's Catholic School in Greeley yesterday and let all the kids hold it. That was a wonderful experience to get to share with those awesome kids.

I have had a very charmed life and I don't take it for granted. Carrying the Olympic flame rates right near the top of the list of incredible things this life has given me. USA! USA! USA! Go for the gold...in everything you do.

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