An Appeal to My Generation

[rlloyd]

A recent topic in the Miscellaneous forum, regarding the Scottish Tartan Museum, has me thinking once again on a topic which recently arose in a baord meeting for my local Celtic society.

I believe a large issue with the "steady decline" of the STM, and the Friends of the STM (those affiliated with the Museum which travel to festivals and games to provide information booths) is a severe lack of "young blood". That's not said to knock anyone here or there of a more advanced age; in fact, there are a few gentlemen with the Friends which I would count on a list of personal friends. That being said, though, a lack of youthfulness often (but not even always!) leads to a stagnation of sorts. This holds true with interest in Celtic cultures as a whole, at least in this area (I live right at 100 miles driving distance from the STM - but straight line distance would actually be closer to 75). If more people around my age and younger (I will be 27 next month) were to get involved, I believe things would possibly begin an upswing once again.

My local Celtic society is working now to create a chapter at the university in our area to help better promote our heritage and have, so far, been met with a great interest; most of those interested, thus far, have made comments along the lines of "I've been looking for something for people my age, but anytime I've attended events I'm usually the youngest there by 30 years or more".

To the younger members of Xmarks, I applaud you for being interested in your heritage - or, if not your heritage, for being interested in my heritage. To the older members of Xmarks, I implore you to do what you can to raise an interest in your children and grandchildren. History, and in turn heritage, are things which must be passed down to ensure their continued existence; it is my personal belief that everyone should do their part in propagating that knowledge.