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The SVT-Loyalty ceremony took place on March 25th, 2011 in Murrysville, Pennsylvania at the 2011 Tournament of Champions at Franklin Regional High School.
Grand Master Soon Ho Lee welcomed hundreds of students, instructors and Masters from as far away as California, in an energetic ceremony recognizing the Master Ceremony element of Loyalty. Much to the surprise of Chief Master Caruso, two students of his, Mr. Leo & Raymond Wong, a father and son school owner pair from Canada, drove through the night to be at this momentous event to show their support as well. What an outstanding demonstration of loyalty that was!
After a video introducing the Songahm Vision Tour, observers became participants as Grand Master Soon Ho Lee led the Masters and students in the traditional workout of Songahm 1 towards the 4 directions of the Earth. Then the Grand Master Nominee-Chief Master In Ho Lee really got them going, grabbing the microphone and going into the middle of the crowd to conduct an intensive, heart pumping workout!
Following a video presentation of the Scrolls of Songahm. Chief Master In Ho Lee lit his candle from the flame of Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, the ceremonial transfer of knowledge from an instructor to a student. All participants were invited to take home the SVT candle and also light it from Grand Masters, to spread the knowledge in their communities.
Concluding the ceremonial part of the Songahm Vision Tour was the Songahm Star Presentation. Video explained the Master Ceremony and how the Grand Master Nominee – Chief Master In Ho Lee will perform one of the 9 steps from the Master Ceremony at each Tour stop. The ceremony element in Pittsburgh was Loyalty. The following is a transcription from the actual event:
Today, the component of LOYALTY will be recognized. The torch of knowledge can be passed on by the fire of a candle. The candle must burn continually to keep the torch of knowledge alive. It will constantly sacrifice itself as the body of wax melts away in order to keep the flame burning. It will do so until the body no longer remains.
During the traditional Master Ceremony, lighting of the candle is the symbol of loyalty. At the end of the ceremony today, you are invited to meet with Grand Master, purchase a Songahm Vision Tour-Loyalty poster, get it authenticated and signed by Grand Master. You may then light your Songahm Vision Tour candle from his flame. This Loyalty ceremony is what all Masters must go through to reaffirm their commitment and loyalty to the vision of Songahm. Today's Songahm Vision Tour ceremony is very special in that you, the student, will partake in the master ceremony of Loyalty.
Chief Master Caruso presented the 8th part of the Songahm Star to Chief Master In Ho Lee, symbolically demonstrating his support of the Grand Master Nominee. Chief Master Caruso has brought a wide body of knowledge and experience into Songahm Taekwondo curriculum. He has trained some of the country's top law enforcement agencies while having the humility to train some of the youngest tiny tiger-white belts here in Murrysville. As a great example of loyalty to the ATA, he has traveled tirelessly around the world to train Songahm instructors. He presented both Grand Master Soon Ho Lee and Chief Master In Ho Lee with a 9Ó pewter plate custom-made with the images of the Bee Ryong Bong, Song Ahm Star and a Pine Tree & Rock to show his gratitude for their years of leadership.
These masters then signed the Scrolls of Songahm, and a petition endorsing Chief Master In Ho Lee as their next Grand Master. The SVT was an uplifting event that reminded us of the scope and legacy of Songahm to all those in attendance.
The following day, Chief Master In Ho Lee was presented with over 6000 signatures for his petition from all the schools in Region 117. He and Grand Master then spent the entire day signing autographs and taking pictures with the over 900 competitors and their family members.
All students and instructors may express their appreciation to Grand Master Soon Ho Lee at www.SongahmVisionTour.com. You may also send a message of support to the Grand Master Nominee – Chief Master In Ho Lee online as well. Instructors will also find a printable copy of the petition to officially support the Grand Master Nominee. The petition along with instructions and a unique guest pass are all downloadable at ATASuccessKit.com.
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