And what a stirring declaration it was – that Scottish declaration of independence – 170 years before Columbus sailed to the New World! “It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honors that we are fighting, but for freedom -for that alone – which no honest man gives up but with life itself”
Four hundred and fifty years later, Scotland’s Declaration of Independence strongly influenced the American Declaration of Independence, whose signers include 19 of Scottish descent.
In 1998, a coalition of Scottish – Americans successfully lobbied Senator Trent Lott to have April 6th designated National Tartan Day, to celebrate the contributions made by Scottish – Americans to this country’s foundation and development. This effort was led by a Pittsburgher, Robert Murdoch, a founding member of The St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh.
Senate resolution 155 was passed on March 20, 1998. Senate Resolution 155 acknowledges that the US Declaration of Independence was modelled on the Declaration of Arbroath; that nine of the original thirteen states had Scottish governors, and recognizes the monumental achievements and invaluable contributions made by Scottish Americans that have led to America’s preeminence in the fields of science, technology, medicine, government, politics, economics, architecture, literature, media, and visual and performing arts. It concludes: “Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Senate designates April 6 of each year as “National Tartan Day”.
And what contributions Scottish – Americans have made! There have been more than a dozen US Presidents with direct Scottish ancestry, and 75% of US Presidents can claim some Scottish ancestry. Two – thirds of the Civil War generals likewise had Scottish ancestry, including both Commanders -in – Chief Grant and Lee. ”
