This CNNfyi.com lesson plan is supplemented with
material from Holt, Rinehart
and Winston
Discuss the controversy surrounding the Ground Zero flag at Olympics
Lesson Plans by subject 
February 7, 2002
Web posted at: 6:22 PM EST (2322 GMT)
Overview: The flag recovered from Ground Zero will fly at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Discuss how the history and symbolism behind a nation's flag make it a source of national pride. Have students discuss why the Ground Zero flag was a controversial issue and determine if American patriotism has won over international protocol.
Curriculum connections: International Relations, Current Events
Have students read the article, "Ground Zero star-spangled banner to wave over Olympics," and answer the following questions:
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1. What is the "Ground Zero flag"? What is the controversy surrounding its use at the Olympics? What organizations were involved in making the decision to raise the Ground Zero flag to the tune of the U.S. National Anthem? How long will the flag remain in the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium?
2. What is an honor guard? Who are some possible candidates for participation in the honor guard? Whom do you think should participate in the honor guard? Discuss. Why is the Ground Zero flag unique? How was the flag found and where else has the flag been flown?
3. What is a symbol? How is the flag a symbol of the United States? Discuss how the history and symbolism behind a nation's flag make it a source of national pride. Then, ask: What do you think is the significance of flying flags from participating countries during the Olympic Games? Discuss.
4. Have one student share with the class the press release from the International Olympic Committee "Ground Zero Flag to Fly During Olympic Winter Games." Refer students to the statement made by Anita De Frantz: "While some parts of the Opening Ceremony change to reflect the culture of the host city, the procession of athletes is a part of the universal Olympic Protocol that has essentially remained unchanged in the modern Olympic era." What do you think DeFrantz meant by this statement? Explain. Then ask: Why do you think raising the Ground Zero flag was a controversial issue in light of her statement? Explain. Do you think that American patriotism has won over international protocol? Why or why not?
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