Let me begin by welcoming world leaders and visitors to this historic Capitol on this historic day.

In my heart resides the same feeling of gratitude felt by all Utahns for the privilege of hosting the world. Today we feel the satisfaction as a people of having done a job well. It has stretched us, but like the athletes this event celebrates, we are better for our effort.

I thought of Utah as I watched that magic moment when Sara Hughes emerged as a gold medallist. With each second of her performance her confidence grew. She developed a new confidence based on a foundation of excellence. The excellence was there before, but now she is known by the entire world.

So it is with Utah. A small state that had a dream and made it ours. Like Sarah Hughes, the world will never see us the same. Nor will we.

On September 11 the question was asked, "Should the Games go forward?" I knew it then and it is confirmed today. The world needed these Games as a place to come together and celebrate the values of the civilized world.

After September 11, I joined Mayor Giuliuni and Governor Pataki at ground zero. As I left that solemn place I noticed a handful of acorns on the ground. Acorns are among my favorite things. I picked one up and placed it in my suit pocket as a reminder of the time and place of this tragedy. A time when fate fell upon Utah to host the world to heal and recover.

This morning I retrieved the acorn from my suit. Unexpectedly, it had opened, exposing the seeds of its regeneration.

Through the Olympic Games I have come to understand better how the human spirit regenerates. Like unexpected performances create heroes and lasting memories, an unexpected central theme has emerged from these Games without promotion. It is the power of human kindness.

It has been expressed in the actions of tens of thousands of volunteers. In the faces of people waiting in line, in the smiles of security officers, and the cheers of fans applauding all countries and all athletes.

When I was in the athlete's village an athlete named Lenny told me about a volunteer bus driver who was a corporate executive. He also referenced a volunteer who cleaned his room who was a computer engineer. This is the spirit of volunteerism that has permeated these Games. Everyone has provided genuine service and exhibited a kindness that kindles rebirth.

A cousin of kindness is graciousness. I'm reminded of the Canadian figure skating pair - Jamie Sale and David Pelletier - who handled an international controversy with dignity and grace.

I spoke with David Pelletier and he reflected upon his situation by telling me this:

"We were taught as children to be gracious. This is our turn to set a good example."

Let these Games be a testament of the power of kindness. It is kindness that bridges difference. It is kindness that unites. It is kindness that heals. Human kindness produces the seeds that regenerate the human spirit.

I watched in awe at the Delta Center as the jumbo tron panned the crowd with the background music of the Rolling Stones playing "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." There was a Korean family with a flag, a group of Australians with their flag, then the Japanese, the Swiss, the Germans. How proud and humble I felt to be part of this show of Olympic spirit and unity.

On September 11 citizens of 80 nations died in the tragedy. But today, flags of 80 nations fly together as we defy hatred in the name of peace.

The power of kindness and the unity it creates is the trademark of these Games. And who better to bring these 17 days of history to a fitting end then a man the world calls "Rudy".

Ladies and gentlemen I present to you the world's mayor … Rudy Giuliani.