I thought that was the tattered flag they had recovered from the WTC rubble? One of the most moving moments ever seen for the opening ceremonies.
I remember they brought that flag into the stadium, but I don’t think they raised it. Did they?
it was and I agree with you...
but I’ve been to the Olympics four different times (LA ‘84/Calgary ‘88/Atlanta ‘96/ SLC ‘02) and have never seen a soldier take part in opening/closing ceremony...