Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association Celebrates the History-Shaping Power of the Handwritten Word on John Hancock's Birthday, Jan. 23

The first signature on the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 was also the most recognizable: that of John Hancock. To honor the influence handwriting has had on American history, the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association has declared Hancock's birthday, Jan. 23, National Handwriting Day.

"Throughout history, handwritten documents have sparked love affairs, started wars, established peace, freed slaves, created movements and declared independence," stated WIMA Executive Director David H. Baker. "No e-mail will ever have quite the impact of words written in pen or pencil on a crisp piece of paper. With National Handwriting Day on Jan. 23, WIMA is celebrating the importance of handwriting not just in American history, but in today's fast-paced world as well."

WIMA offers several suggestions for Americans interested in making handwriting a bigger part of their lives:

* Make a variety of pens and pencils available throughout the home or workplace.
* Look for unusual and attractive writing instruments, and use them to make writing letters, notes and even journal entries and lists a little more special.
* Make handwritten birthday cards for friends and loved ones.
* Set aside time each month for the whole family to write letters to important people in their lives.


"With the popularity of scrapbooking, cardmaking and other paper crafts, we are seeing more Americans returning to pens and pencils for the warmth and personal touch they lend to any document," Baker explained. "People enjoy the creative expression they find in pens, pencils and fine papers. Handwriting is increasingly becoming a mode of relaxation and a means by which people can show their appreciation for one another."

John Hancock may not have foreseen the lasting impact his signature would have on the country he loved. Hancock's signature, boldly written in ink on the Declaration of Independence when he was the president of the Continental Congress, remains so recognizable that his name has become synonymous with one's signature.

About the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association

WIMA is the national trade association of the pen, pencil, marker and eraser industry. Formed in 1943, WIMA promotes the interests of the writing instrument industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico.