at least they didn't set it on fire.

but the next time in Toronto, as an immediate follow-up to their foul-up, they almost brought out the Canadian flag (instead of Stars & Bars) while the American national anthem was playing.

they literally caught it at the last second before the public could see it.

at least that's the story, according to Gunny John Wallace, one of the four Marines who were the colour guard duty (aka 'flag bearers') during the Game 3 opening ceremonies.

in his own words: they "probably wouldn't have gotten out of the stadium alive" if they had gaffed that one.

I'd tend to agree.

:-)

cheers,

R.