The terror attacks on America have changed the meaning we attach to many events, both large and small.

Many people believe, for example, that Salt Lake's Olympics take on new significance as a result of the attacks.

Bruce Lindsay presents the latest installment in our series "Changing World," with a look at the "new" Olympics.

The Olympics are really old!

But the worst attack on America attaches to the games of 2002 a meaning they didn't have before.

This pre-September 11th NBC promotion for the Olympics presents an edgy, hip, in-your-face challenge to competitors on America's home turf.

The rock lyrics: "My House, My Rules, You're just a guest. You may be good, but I'm the best."

"I DON'T THINK THE LYRICS THEMSELVES ARE THE EMPHASIS."

David Neal of NBC Sports stands by the promotion to attract a younger audience, but concedes it doesn't capture the higher expectations now part of the coming games.

David Neal/VP, NBC Sports: "MAYBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE OLYMPICS IN THE WORLD AND CERTAINLY FOR AMERICANS, MAYBE IT'S A DIFFERENT THING NOW THAN IT WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO."

According to a poll of 500 Utahns today, the difference is more than maybe. 65% believe the Olympics now have greater significance for America as a result of the September attacks.

The dean of Olympic sportscasters agrees.

Jim McKay/ABC Sports: "THERE WILL BE A LOT MORE PATRIOTIC FERVOR IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE OF IT. NO QUESTION. THERE ALWAYS IS AT THE OLYMPICS. BUT IT'S NORMAL PATRIOTISM WITH SOMETHING ELSE ADDED THAT CONTAINS ANGER, AND SADNESS AND OTHER EMOTIONS."

61% of our sample believes the Olympics will be a healing experience for the television viewers around the world.

A change in the torch relay aims to jump start that healing next month. New plans have the Olympic flame pass the Pentagon and the site of the World Trade Center.

The last time America hosted an Olympics, its president faced no war, no economic catastrophe.

In relevance, timing is everything. George W. Bush, in an arena in Salt Lake, will open the first global event since the declared war on international terrorism.

Bob Costas/NBC Olympic Host: "AS FLAWED AS THE OLYMPICS ARE-- AND WE DO KNOW THE LONG LIST OF IMPERFECTIONS IN THE OLYMPICS-- AT THEIR BEST, THEY DO REPRESENT A PEACEFUL INTERNATIONAL GATHERING. AND THEY DO REPRESENT PEOPLE STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE. AND IF THAT STATEMENT CAN BE MADE IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING, THEN I THINK IT'S A SMALL POSITIVE."

World events of recent weeks, arguably make the Salt Lake Olympics a more potent symbol of international unity than the games have been in many years.

Hannah Storm/NBC Sportscaster: "AND I HOPE THAT IT'S ALSO A SIGN THAT AMERICA IS GOING FORWARD IN A POSITIVE WAY, AND IS NOT FEARFUL, AND THAT THESE GAMES WILL BE HELD IN SALT LAKE AND WILL BE HELD PROUDLY."

Higher hopes and expectations now ride on sports in Salt Lake. Are those hopes realistic?

Jim McKay/ABC Sports: "SOMETIMES I THINK WE OVERDO THE IDEA THAT SPORTS HAS A SPECIAL PLACE AND IT CAN HELP PEOPLE'S MORALE AND ALL THAT. BUT THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS, IT DOES!"