Seoul: Two U.S. lawmakers have introduced a House resolution to express support for designating Sept. 4 as "Taekwondo Grandmasters Appreciation Day." The resolution highlights the value of the Korean martial art and its grandmasters, emphasizing the physical and mental benefits they provide to people throughout the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the resolution was submitted by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) to the House of Representatives. The proposed date aligns with "International Taekwondo Day," which was designated by South Korea in 2008 to honor the day taekwondo was recognized as an Olympic sport on Sept. 4, 1994.
The resolution underscores the importance of taekwondo, noting its emphasis on mental discipline and character development through the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. It also acknowledges the prestigious title of "grandmaster," which is reserved for the highest-ranking, most experienced, and respected practitioners of the martial art.
Furthermore, the resolution highlights that taekwondo is practiced by 80 million people of all ages and backgrounds across the globe, indicating its widespread appeal and significance.