April 6 - National Tartan Day

Happy National Tartan Day! On April 6, this day honors the Scottish heritage flowing through the United States. 

  

From its early beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood. 

It was four hundred years before the Scots declared, “For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.”  – from the Declaration of Arbroath 

Surprisingly, of the thirteen governors in the newly established United States, nine were Scots. There are fifty-six signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent. 

Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the forty-three Presidents who have taken office, thirty-three have been of Scottish descent. 

  

Those with Tartan blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artists, experienced leaders, and scholars.  

  

In the United States today, over eleven million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States. 

  

HOW TO OBSERVE 

  

Some parts of the country hold parades, ceremonies, and events. Check local civic websites for any Tartan Day events. Learn more about Scots in America. Wear your tartan-patterned kilt, blow on some bagpipes and use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media. 

  

HISTORY 

  

On March 20, 1998, the U.S. Senate passed Resolution 155, designating April 6 of each year as National Tartan Day.  

  

This day recognizes Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States. The House passed Resolution 41 on March 9, 2005, and 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush signed the Presidential Proclamation on April 4, 2008. 

  

On this day in 1320 A.D., the Scot’s signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England.   

For more information, visit the website below: 

  

https://www.americanscottishfoundation.com 

  

How can you observe Scottish heritage today? 

  

#NationalTartanDay
@americanscottish
@BuschGardensVA 

@SenateFloor 

@nichecinema