The Olympic Flame came through Surrey today, and Pam and I were there! It passed within a couple of blocks of our house. We got over to the intersection of King George Highway and 72nd Avenue, and the place was packed!

There were people lining King George Highway, dressed in Hockey Canada jerseys, waving flags, and wearing their red mittens. The mittens have been a symbol of these Olympics and all the torch bearers have been wearing them.

People of all ages were there, from kids in strollers, to grandmothers in wheelchairs. People from all walks of life, people from every culture, people just proud to be Canadian, and proud to be a part of these Olympics.

First came big trucks, sponsored by Coca-Cola, carrying people telling us that the Torch Bearer was mere minutes away, to get ready to cheer and clap! But truthfully, they didn’t need to tell us; people were excited to be there and more than ready to bask in the glow of the Torch. Next came a bus, loaded with people who would be Torch Bearers.

Then, we caught a glimpse of the Torch Bearer, and the cheers started through the crowd. It was awesome. The man running with the torch was beaming, his smile wider than the mouth of the Fraser River! It was obviously a special moment for him, and it certainly was for us.

We ran along with him and then cut through a parking lot so we could see the next runner. Her smile was even wider than the first. It was remarkable to see. We headed quickly to our house and caught the Torch Bearer one more time as she ran down 72nd Avenue right at 141A street.

I am very glad I got to experience it. It was moving, and uplifting, and joyous. A remarkable time, shared with so many people. The streets were lined with people! All cheering, proud, excited and eager to see the Torch. It was a community event, and the community embraced it!

Here are a couple movies of two different Torch Bearers. Enjoy!

The Torch Bearer carries the Olympic Torch down 72nd avenue in Surrey, February 08, 2010.