No, some team members can elect not to participate in the opening ceremony.
france stupid
Olympic protocol states the first athletes that enter the stadium during the opening ceremony are those from Greece in recognition of Greece being the home of the Olympics (where the Ancient Olympics first began).
It is a piece of the torch which was lighted at the end of the opening ceremony.
The First Team-The last team
The Greek team, I believe.
Greece
The United States flag bearer at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville was cross country skier Bill Koch and at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona was long distance runner Francie Larrieu at the opening ceremony and fencer Peter Westbrook at the closing ceremony.
The Athlete's Oath at the 2000 Sydney Olympics was sworn by Australian women's field hockey team captain Rechelle Hawkes.
Greece
After being lit in a ceremony in Greece, the Olympic torch is carried through relay, to the country that is hosting the Olympics for the year. It is passed from runner to runner, until the final runner is revealed at the opening ceremony.
Greece