Congressman Paul Tonko Recognizes National Handwriting Day at Rosendale Elementary School

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Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association

Feb 02, 2018, 03:03 ET

ALBANY, N.Y., Feb. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of the 41^st anniversary of National Handwriting Day (January 23^rd, 2018), Congressman Paul Tonko (New York 20^th Congressional District) visited Nicole Grosso's second-grade class at Rosendale Elementary School in Niskayuna, New York. Congressman Tonko, and Congressman Leonard Lance (New Jersey 7^th Congressional District), introduced the recent bi-partisan congressional resolution, H.Res.654, expressing support for designation of January 23^rd as National Handwriting Day. On Friday, February 2^nd, the congressman emphasized the importance of handwriting and his personal commitment to it with the students. He spoke about John Hancock as the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence and passed out handwriting supplies, provided by WIMA members, to the class. Together, students practiced their "John Hancocks" as Congressman Tonko looked on.

Congressman Tonko with students of Nicole Grosso's class.

The resolution also emphasizes the educational benefits of handwriting for children, as well as the cognitive development and motor skills benefit. To view the complete resolution, go to https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hres654.

Established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA), on the birthday of America's most notable scribe, John Hancock, National Handwriting Day designates a day each year to acknowledge the history and importance of penmanship. The recent congressional recognition, also further solidifies the value of handwriting in everyday life and how important it is to continue to keep the tradition alive in generations to come.

"I can't think of a better way to celebrate National Handwriting Day than a visit with Ms. Grosso's second grade class at Rosendale Elementary School. Handwriting is a disappearing art that is worth preserving, especially for young students. A handwritten letter not only delivers emotion, connection and creativity in ways that an email or text message simply cannot, it also exercises cognitive and fine motor skills for the writer. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution marking National Handwriting Day with Rep. Leonard Lance and am grateful for our mutual commitment to this effort. Thank you to WIMA for highlighting the significance and power of handwriting and for their support of our Congressional resolution" stated Congressman Paul Tonko.

For additional information on National Handwriting Day visit http://www.pencilsandpens.org/national_handwriting_day and https://www.facebook.com/WritingInstrumentManufacturersAssociation/.

SOURCE Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association