This is a nation that met that responsibility by choosing, like your ancestors did, to keep alight the flame of knowledge and invest in a world-class education for your young people.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Addresses the Irish People

And tonight, we have recognized and we have honored a man that at this important time in the history of this two hundred and thirty-five year, the longest running Constitutional republic that the world has ever known, you have been entrusted to be a keeper of that flame at this time.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Keeping "the flame" burning

Ten weeks from now, the world will watch as the flame arrives at the Olympic Stadium, bringing with it the hopes of a nation.

BBC: Olympic torch: Huge crowds turn out to cheer flame

It was a flame that somehow found its way into the Belleau Wood and to the trenches of World War One.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Keeping "the flame" burning

This generation is the flame, the light which will keep this country burning bright in the darkness of an uncertain world.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: "The 'Buck' stops here" on defense cuts