For the first time since Kazakhstan became an independent nation in 1991, the Olympic torch passed through the country by way of Almaty on April 2, 2008.  Crowds of proud Kazakhstani citizens clustered along the street leading into Old Square where the torch ended its 19 km journey through the city.  Kids and adults alike waved the country's flag and cheered on their countrymen that bore the torch through Almaty.  There was an excitement among the spectators not often found at public events here, it was as if everyone seemed to feel they too were sharing in their nation's moment in the limelight.  As Kazakhstan continues to define its place in the international community and Kazakhs seek to tell the world who they are as a people, today's events were momentous for country and citizen alike.