WHEREAS, for 10 years, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna has promoted Korean arts and culture through its unique Korean Bell Garden; and

WHEREAS, the Korean Bell Garden project was developed as a joint venture between the Korean American Cultural Committee (KACC) and NOVA Parks; and

WHEREAS, after a groundbreaking ceremony in 2010, the Korean Bell Garden was completed in 2012, becoming the first Korean bell pavilion constructed in the eastern United States; and

WHEREAS, the centerpiece bronze bell at the Korean Bell Garden was crafted by one of the finest bell makers in the Republic of Korea and is engraved with Korea's national flower, the rose of Sharon, and Virginia's state flower, the American dogwood, along with other culturally significant symbols; and

WHEREAS, the bell is housed in a hand-built pagoda adorned with Korean artwork and surrounded by replicas of ancient Korean monuments and statues; and

WHEREAS, the Korean Bell Garden is available for rent as a backdrop for weddings and other events, and the site has helped thousands of visitors over the past decade better understand and appreciate Korean culture; and

WHEREAS, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Korean Bell Garden with a special event hosted by the KACC and NOVA Parks on May 21, 2022, featuring Taekwondo demonstrations, traditional music and dancing, and other celebrations of Korean culture; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Meadowlark Botanical Gardens hereby be commended on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Korean Bell Garden; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the contributions of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and its Korean Bell Garden to cultural life in Vienna.