OF
CITy GLENDALE
CALIFORNIA
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, Hangul, the Korean alphabet, was invented in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great of Korea and has been used to write the Korean language since its creation. Hangul is the official writing system of both South and North Korea; and
wa reas in see in the or yee a is and engi se for pubeshe the chinese earacters updan hat timen were complex and difficult to master; and
Whereas, the Korean alphabet was named Hangul in 1928, and in 1940, Korean language scholars Lee Hee Seung and Lee Byeong Ro discovered the "Hunminjeongeum" Haerye manuscript, determining October 9th, 1446, as the birth date of Hangul; and
Whereas, the Korean language is one of five strategic languages-alongside Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian-designated by the National Security Language Initiative, encouraging Americans to learn these languages; and
Whereas, there are over 50,000 Americans, including Americans of Korean heritage, learning Hangul throughout the United States. With the growing global popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine, the Korean language is now taught around the world; and
Whereas, Korean Americans have become an integral part of mainstream American society, making significant contributions in California in diverse fields such as finance, technology, law, medicine, education, sports, media, the arts, the military, and government; and
Whereas, the Korean American community is encouraged to instill in younger generations an appreciation for the courage and values of their forebears, a deep sense of their roots, and pride in their cultural heritage, including Hangul, so that they may continue to contribute to California's rich, ethnically and culturally diverse Candscape; and
Whereas, the City of Glendale proudly celebrates its connections with Korea, with three sister cities: Goseong, Gimpo, and Boeungun, symbolizing a strong bond of friendship and cultural exchange between our communities; Now, Therefore, I, Elen Asatryan, Mayor of the City of Glendale, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2024, as Hangul Day
in Glendale and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our Korean community to the vibrant and diverse fabric of our city.
14)
Elen Asatryan, Mayor
October 8, 2024