Hines Ward receives honorary Seoul citizenship
From The Chosun Ilbo
An emotionally charged ceremony brings tears from NFL superstar Hines Ward. "I used to be ashamed of my Korean heritage when I was child," said Ward. But he added he was now very proud of that heritage and apologized for his past resentment while expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome he has received. After making these comments he was overwhelmed and could not continue speaking. In his left hand he clutched his certificate of honorary citizenship in Seoul. Ward opened his tear-filled eyes and looked at his mother who was sitting nearby.
He pointed to his mother and said once again how much she had sacrificed for him, adding "Without my mom, I do not think I would be where I am now." His mother Kim Young-hee then took off her glasses to wipe away the tears and a sudden hush came over the mass of reporters who had been falling over themselves to get at the athlete. At that moment Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak, who had been standing next to him, came close to comfort him and got out a handkerchief to wipe away his tears
Ward (30, Pittsburgh Steelers) became the honorary Seoul citizen on Wednesday, 29 years after he went to the U.S. with his mother after being born in Jegi-dong, Seoul in 1976. The city presented him with an honorary citizenship certificate and a medal. In return, Ward gave the Mayor his jersey with his number 86 and phrase, ‘‘To Mayor of Seoul, LEE MYOUNG BAK. Go Steelers!’
Honorary Seoul citizenship is presented to a state guest of Seoul or foreigners residing in Seoul who make a contribution to the improvement of the city. So far honorees include Nobel laureate Pearl S. Buck (1968), action movie star Jackie Chan (1999) Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson (2004), and Guus Hiddink, Dutch football coach (2002). Ward became the 538th honorary citizen.
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, right, passes a football to Pittsburgh Steelers' receiver Hines Ward at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, Tuesday, April 4, 2006. Ward marked a triumphant homecoming to South Korea by sharing traditional tea with President Roh on Tuesday.
View a Slideshow of Hines' trip on Yahoo
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This story totally made me cry. Dang. I know I've already posted about his trip, but I can't help it. It's so touching.
Hines Ward needs to write a book about this experience. I would so read it. I think he should call it "Chicken Soup for the Seoul".
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Bettina
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