A Foot In the Door?

[motorman4life]

The important issue I see is that as Americans, our heritage did not start 230 years ago. Our heritage started many thousands of years ago and unless you are a Native American, you likely trace roots back to Europe.

I know as Americans, we tend to see ourselves as the center of the universe. This is one thing that really pisses non-Americans off. The fact is, we call ourselves Americans, disregarding the fact that "The Americas" encompass over 30 countries and protectorates. Peruvians are Americans as they live in South America. Say that in most US locales and listen to people scoff. Sad really.

It is not coincidence that portions of the US Declaration of Independence were excerpted derectly from the Declaration of Arbroath (Scotland 1320) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Arbroath and that nearly ½ of the original signers of the US Declaration and 9 of the original 13 governors were of Scottish ancestory. Much of this is outlined in the U.S. Tartan Day Resolution, signed by our Senate on March 20th, 1998.

President Woodrow Wilson, the son of a Scots-Irish Presbyterian minister, said: "Every line in America's history is a line coloured by Scottish blood."

So, regardless of your bloodline, race or upbringing , if you are a U.S. Citizen, Scots history is your history. You don’t need to make any apologies. If a female can do your job in a skirt, then you should he allowed to do it is a proper kilt, regardless of their personal feelings. I understand and can certainly appreciate why you are taking the approach you are, but the fact is, it is discrimination nonetheless.

That said, as for the dates you are seeking. I would go with the following, dates and ask that they also allow your birthday too, as you are celebrating your heritage and what better day to do that than on your own birthday?

January 25 (1759): Sir Robert Burns Day, celebrating the birth of Scotland’s national poet. Burn’s Night is considered the 2nd National Holiday, second only to St. Andrew’s Day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Burns

March 17: Saint Patrick's Day, celebrating Irish heritage.
http://traditions-uk.freeservers.com/StPatricksday.html

April 6 (1320): National Tartan Day, Anniversary of The Declaration of Arbroath – A day officially designated by the U.S Senate to recognize the many Scottish contributions to the formation and development United States (also celebrated in Canada). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Day

July 1 (1792 & 1999): International Tartan Day
This is the Anniversary of the Repeal of the Act of Proscription (1782) and the Anniversary of the Restoration of the Scottish Parliament (1999). This is “Tartan Day” in many countries and some U.S. States, such as Colorado. You may want to check if your state celebrates Tartan Day, and if so, whether it is on April 6 or July 1. Either way, they are both valid dates for celebration.

November 30: Saint Andrew's Day, celebrating Scottish heritage. http://www.geocities.com/traditions_uk/andrew.html

These “top 5” with your birthday equal 6 dates annually. If the actual day happens to fall on a weekend, I would opt for the nearest Monday or Friday to the actual date, as is done with most all holidays.

If you want to lay some more on, chose from any of these very valid celebratory dates:

February 14 (1692): Remembrance of the Massacre at Glencoe (Glencoe Day).
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...coe/glen1.html

April 16 (1746): Remembrance of the Battle of Culloden (Culloden Day).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Culloden

June 24 (1314): Bannockburn Victory Day
Celebrating the famous 1314 battle, a significant victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bannockburn

July 22 (1758): Black Watch Day
The 42nd Highland Regiment, the “Black Watch”, is given its 'Royal' designation.

August 1 (1746): Scottish Defiance Day
The Anniversary of The Act of Proscription – Put on your kilt, which was outlawed in this day by the Crown as an instrument of war. It remained a crime to wear a kilt or any tartan for 35 years and 11 months.

August 23 (1305): William Wallace Day
A day of mourning for Sir William Wallace, patriot and protector of Scotland. Executed (hanged, disemboweled and beheaded) in London in 1305.

October 25 (1739): Highland Regiment Day (aka: Regimental Day)
The six independent companies of the "Highland Watch" or the “Black Watch”, originally raised in 1729, along with four newly-raised companies, were incorporated into a Regiment of Foot under John, the Earl of Crawford. This Regiment was originally numbered the 43rd Highland Regiment, but a decade later, it was renumbered as the 42nd Highlanders in 1749.

These dates will be posted at www.KiltDay.com/holiday.htm
If I find any more, I'll add them there.