Explaining About National Tartan Day

The primary purpose of National Tartan Day is to recognize the commemoration of the anniversary, each April 6th, of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland's version of America's own Declaration of Independence. Each year, various events are staged across most of the 48 continuous United States, primarily to honor the contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the saga of the origins of these United States.

At the core of the origins of National Tartan Day is House of Representatives Resolution No. 109 of the 107th Congress, dated March 29th, 2001, wherein the following statements were issued:

"Recognizing the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, and supporting the establishment of a National Tartan Day, to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States:

"WHEREAS, April 6th has a special significance for Americans of Scottish descent, and for all Americans, because the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, was signed on April 6th, 1320, and the American Declaration of Independence was modeled after that inspirational document; and

"WHEREAS, Scottish-Americans have played a major role in the founding of this Nation, with nearly half of the signers of our own Declaration of Independence being of Scottish descent; the Governors of at least nine of the Original Thirteen Colonies being of Scottish descent; and Scottish-Americans have successfully helped to shape our country in its formative years, and have guided us through its most troubled times; and

"WHEREAS, Scottish-Americans have made invaluable contributions that have led to America's preeminence in the fields of science, technology, medicine, government, politics, economics, architecture, literature, media, and the visual and performing arts; and

"WHEREAS, there are more than 200 organizations throughout the United States that honor Scottish heritage, tradition, and culture, representing the hundreds of thousands of Americans of Scottish descent, residing in every State, who already recognize and observe Tartan Day each April 6th; and

"WHEREAS, these numerous individuals, clans, societies, clubs and fraternal organizations do not let the great contributions of the Scottish people go unnoticed:

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

"That (1) the House of Representatives recognizes the historical significance of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath; and

"That (2) there should be established a National Tartan Day, to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish-American to these United States."

From parades to single-day or weekend festivals, from Kirkin' o' the Tartan ceremonies at various churches to simple gatherings of bagpipers, each year the wonder of Tartan Day never fails to surprise and enchant.

Please visit www.pipefest.com, www.scotland.org/events/scotland-week and www.nyctartanweek.org for additional details and information about bagpipe-related Tartan Day events in your local area.