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Sammy Linebaugh reportingSaturday night, just about everybody who walked inside the Delta Center was holding an American flag -- a symbol, they say, of the one team we're all rooting for.
The stars and stripes were as popular as purple. Jazz and Kings fans ushering in to game three were handed mini-reminders of the U-S men and women serving overseas, far far away from any basketball arena.
Beth Haarbrink: "I FEEL VERY LUCKY, VERY BLESSED AND VERY LUCKY TO BE HERE AND DO THIS WITH WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD."
Tony Farrera: "LOTS OF PLACES THEY'D RATHER BE, BUT THEY'RE THERE FOR US, MAKING SURE THEY'RE PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS THAT ALLOW US TO HAVE SATURDAY NIGHTS LIKE THIS."
At the E-Center, the Utah Warriors also put the conflict abroad front and center.
Before kickoff, they dedicated this special tribute to fallen Utah soldier, James Cawley, a Salt Lake City police officer before he was called to active duty.
And a single flag blew outside a Clearfield Community Church. Inside, memorial services for Staff Sargeant Nino Livauidais, a U-S Ranger also from Utah killed in the Iraqi conflict.
Sammy Linebaugh/Eyewitness News: "ACROSS THE STATE, UTAHNS MADE IT CLEAR TODAY, THE TROOPS ARE STILL TOP OF MIND. IN MURRAY, FAMILIES OF UTAH SOLDIERS WERE GREETED BY THE GOVERNOR."
Governor Mike Leavitt: "FOR SOME TIME, IT HAS BEEN MY DESIRE TO FIND SOME WAY TO LOOK AT ALL OF YOU ONE AT A TIME IN THE EYE AND SAY THANK YOU."
With wife Jackie, Governor Leavitt hosted a reception to honor Utah's soldiers and recognize the hard work of all those holding down the fort back home. Moms, dads, parents, who say it's continued support from the community that helps see them through.
Karrie Gray: "I STARTED OUT WITH A REALLY TINY FAMILY, AND I HAVE ONE ENORMOUS FAMILY NOW."
Governor and Mrs. Leavitt held similar receptions in Ogden and Provo.
