On the eve of the 2024 Summer Olympics' opening ceremony, we begin a look back at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake and their impact on the state of Utah.
It's been almost 24 hours since the 2034 Winter Olympics were officially awarded to Salt Lake City, but people are already looking forward to that time, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
But those who were around in 2002 know the passion they saw firsthand.
Crowds were gathered by the thousands each day, flags waved around the city, and national pride was on display.
More importantly, friendships were made.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, long seen as a missionary-driven faith, decided to promote rather than proselyte, with the aid of world-famous Temple Square as a backdrop.
However, it was the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, dubbed "America's Choir" by President Ronald Reagan, who stole the show by belting out "The Star-Spangled Banner" against the shadow of the September 11 attacks.
It was that rendition of the anthem that seemingly brought a wounded nation and a world desperately seeking peace together.
It gave billions of people from different nations a reason to celebrate together, and it gave people a chance to smile again.
They sure did; with Canada sweeping men's and women's hockey gold with the help of a lucky loonie (story coming soon) and the U.S. podium-sweeping the ski jump event.
But when you compare the scenes you saw early Wednesday morning in Washington Square and those you saw in 2002, you don't see any difference.
There's a reason why Governor Cox and others said Utah was ready to host another Olympics. This is a state that's been wanting its chance for many years, a precedent set long ago by the success of the Salt Lake Golden Eagles.
They know the potential of the state, as owners Ryan and Ashley Smith have, and they've seen it explode.
Now they'll get to see it again in ten more years.