National tartan day (US)

[Jock Scot]

That's too bad, Jock. Maybe the Scots in diaspora, i.e., the descendants of Scots who fought in the uprisings and were summarily deported or were thereafter deported during the Highland clearances aren't just ignorant colonials after all.

Not ignorant, just rather over the top I would suggest. I think most Scots, certainly this one, would say in the nicest possible way of course, "get a life and get real."

[figheadair]

That's too bad, Jock. Maybe the Scots in diaspora, i.e., the descendants of Scots who fought in the uprisings and were summarily deported, or were thereafter deported during the Highland clearances, aren't just ignorant colonials after all.

Whilst that day has historical significance with regard to the statement of Scotland's independence during the so-called Wars of Independence, 06th Apr has nothing to do with tartan or highland Dress and was chosen principally because it didn't conflict with any other date. The logical date would be 01 Aug which is the day the Act of Repeal came into effect.

[ctbuchanan]

The proclamation that President Bush made:

2008 PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION

President George Bush today signed on April 4th 2008 a Presidential Proclamation making April 6th National Tartan Day! Proclamation signed by the President of the United States:

Americans of Scottish descent have made enduring contributions to our Nation with their hard work, faith, and values. On National Tartan Day, we celebrate the spirit and character of Scottish Americans and recognize their many contributions to our culture and our way of life.

Scotland and the United States have long shared ties of family and friendship, and many of our country's most cherished customs and ideals first grew to maturity on Scotland's soil. The Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence signed in 1320, embodied the Scots' strong dedication to liberty, and the Scots brought that tradition of freedom with them to the New World. Sons and daughters of many Scottish clans were among the first immigrants to settle in America, and their determination and optimism helped build our Nation's character. Several of our Founding Fathers were of Scottish descent, as have been many Presidents and Justices of the United States Supreme Court. Many Scottish Americans, such as Andrew Carnegie, were great philanthropists, founding and supporting numerous scientific, educational, and civic institutions. From the evocative sounds of the bagpipes to the great sport of golf, the Scots have also left an indelible mark on American culture.

National Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate all Americans who claim Scottish ancestry, and we are especially grateful for the service in our Armed Forces of Scottish Americans who have answered the call to protect our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 6, 2008, as National Tartan Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by celebrating the continued friendship between the people of Scotland and the United States and by recognizing the contributions of Scottish Americans to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Seems like a pretty nice thing to do and certainly not intended to insult or demean any other group or people.

[Geoff Withnell]

Whilst that day has historical significance with regard to the statement of Scotland's independence during the so-called Wars of Independence, 06th Apr has nothing to do with tartan or highland Dress and was chosen principally because it didn't conflict with any other date. The logical date would be 01 Aug which is the day the Act of Repeal came into effect.

If you expect logic in the dating of US holidays, you will be sadly disappointed. For example, the date we actually declared our independence was July 2, not July 4.

[KMCMICHAEL]

If you expect logic in the dating of US holidays, you will be sadly disappointed. For example, the date we actually declared our independence was July 2, not July 4.

I believe the Declaration was ratified on the Fourth.

[ctbuchanan]

It is true that the Declaration was adopted on July 2 - it was ratified on July 4 and signed on August 2.

But the date that is on the actual document is July 4 so that is the date that people remembered and later adopted for the celebration.

[The Q]

That's too bad, Jock. Maybe the Scots in diaspora, i.e., the descendants of Scots who fought in the uprisings and were summarily deported, or were thereafter deported during the Highland clearances, aren't just ignorant colonials after all.

I seriously doubt that as many as 0.1% of those expelled during those periods knew about the declaration of Arbroath. The Jacobite's were fighting for a king to be placed in London , generally as directed by their clan chief's. No reference to an obscure document 400 years before would have been required.

Those expelled in the clearances, were in the majority expelled by their own clan chief's. What relevance would the document have had?

The choice of the declaration of Arbroath is a romantic connection by ex British colonies that associate the document with their own independance From Britain.

In this case the promotion of that date on this site must really be careful as they are sailing close to being political , in consideration of the current political situation in Scotland.

I for one will not be wearing tartan on the USA's chosen day. I will however be wearing my kilt on August 1st after sailing, to the evening social event, during sailing clubs regatta week.

[Dollander]

Not ignorant, just rather over the top I would suggest. I think most Scots, certainly this one, would say in the nicest possible way of course, "get a life and get real."

I'm trying to imagine what an analogy would be for us. Like if generations from now, the descendants of all those American kids who moved to Prague in the 90s (are they still even there, or did they get bored and go home?) donned red, white, and blue cowboy outfits every July 4th and pigged out on McDonald's food while blasting gangsta rap. Though I don't think anything we Yanks of Scottish descent do to celebrate our heritage is that extreme.

And for the record, I think all those dates are wrong, and Independence Day should be celebrated September 3rd in honor of the treaty of Paris of 1783. After all, you become a lawyer when you pass your bar exam, not when you apply to law school...

[ItchyTick]

That's too bad, Jock. Maybe the Scots in diaspora, i.e., the descendants of Scots who fought in the uprisings and were summarily deported, or were thereafter deported during the Highlnd clearances, aren't just ignorant colonials after all.

If you read Jim Webb's book "Born Fighting" the British considered the American Revolution a continuation of the Jacobite uprisings.

[Walkman]

Not ignorant, just rather over the top I would suggest. I think most Scots, certainly this one, would say in the nicest possible way of course, "get a life and get real."

I think most outside this forum would say that to all of us, Jock.