2009 News
July 27, 2009
Commissioners Sign Historic “21st Century Alliance”
Resolve with Republic of Korea’s Namdong District to Share and Further Bonds of Culture, Education, and Economic Development
With a portrait of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and noted humanitarian Pearl S. Buck peering over their shoulders July 24, Bucks County Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq., vice-chairman, and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW joined Mayor Yoon, Tae Jin of the Republic of Korean’s Namdong District to affix their signatures to an historic document.
A 21st Century Alliance, which unites the 620,000 citizens of Bucks County with the 460,000 citizens of Namdong District to “move forward with substantial cooperation,” represents the first such agreement in the 327-year history of Bucks County. The signing made for a day of celebration, shared formalities, and the beginning of a unique relationship aimed at diversifying both communities. The setting, the Pearl S. Buck Historic Site, was fitting, as well.
“This is an extremely exciting day,” Chairman Martin observed after offering the Korean delegation (Mayor Yoon and 11 travel-party members, including Namdong Council representatives and six business owners) a Korean welcome, “Ahn Yang Ha Shi Mi Ka.” “While this alliance is intended to strengthen our shared bonds of industry and commerce, it also will foster ties involving culture, education, research and environmental stewardship.”
During her remarks, which were translated into Korean in the same manner as the other speakers, Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia explained that it is “an honor for me to be a part of the process.” She spoke of her daughter’s transition to college, reaching out to others in a diverse environment and making connections.
As co-chairman and founder of the Bucks County Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), Commissioner Cawley is particularly pleased about the alliance and its potential for shared progress. “This is exactly the type of partnership we envisioned when we convened our economic development board (last February),” he noted.
Mayor Yoon expressed gratitude to his American hosts, reciprocating that hospitality by inviting the Commissioners to visit Namdong’s 9th Incheon Sorae-Port Festival, which will take place Oct. 16-19, 2009.
In addition to the invitation to visit, the mayor also proposed two specific exchanges to further the alliance – an annual meeting of business leaders, and an English training program for the people of Namdong District. Commissioner Cawley suggested that Bucks County Community College could play a valuable role in the language endeavor.
“I am reminded of the proverb that the things we possess cannot really be enjoyed without a valuable friend to share them with,” Mayor Yoon said. “In coming here today, I feel certain that I am making new and valuable friends.”
Also on hand to witness the signatures was Kim Jeong-il, consulate general of the Republic of Korea. Translating for himself, Mr. Jeong-il told the gathering inside the Cultural Center of the Pearl S. Buck Historic site, “This is a remarkable alliance. When I think of Namdong, the first word that comes to mind is ‘dynamism.’“ Mr. Jeong-il also offered the observation, “Among the big ships and small ships, the best ship is friendship.”
Hosted by Janet Mintzer, president and CEO of Pearl S. Buck International, the signing ceremony was part of a weekend of activity for the Korean delegation that included touring, sightseeing, and participation in the July 25 Korean War Armistice Ceremony of Remembrance in the courtyard of the Bucks County Courthouse. The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce played an instrumental role in facilitating the visit, as did Delaware Valley College, Adam Kim, the chairman of the Incheon Office in USA, and Tom Jennings, Esq. of the law firm Saul Ewing.
The Korean visitors were impressed during their visit to the Pearl S. Buck Historic Site, which included a tour of the grounds. As Mintzer noted, Ms. Buck dedicated her life to building bridges between cultures. During his speech, Mayor Yoon praised, “I’d like to pay my respects to all of you for maintaining one of America’s most beautiful historic sites.”
The signing also was highlighted by a letter of congratulations from Kathleen Stephens, the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, who wrote: “The people-to-people ties between the citizens of the United States and the Republic of Korea will contribute greatly to the alliance, and I commend your efforts to expand these ties to other fields and to include a future with a green economy.”
A formal gift exchange followed the signing, as the Commissioners presented each Korean visitor with a limited-edition tile from the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. The Namdong delegation reciprocated with ornate, handcrafted boxes.
View a signed copy of the 21st Century Alliance resolution – in both English and Korean.
Watch a video highlight of the event.