#97 of 365 - National and State Tartan Day

For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom — for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.

From The Declaration of Arbroath 1320.


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April 6th is the national and state designated celebration of the contributions of persons of Scottish descent to the founding and settling of America. This date was chosen, as it was the date the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. Some of the wording of this document was used in creating our own Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Arbroath was sent to the Pope in Avignon to tell him that the Scots were tired of being oppressed by the English. Obviously, that is a problem that still hasn't been fully resolved, even today.

I have been involved with the Colorado State Tartan Council for many years and this morning I attended the State House of Representative's reading of the State Proclamation. Lovely to see John Wallin, the Sargeant at Arms of the House of Representatives decked out in a Colorado kilt and carrying a two-handed Scottish Claymore. Most of the attending Representatives also were wearing either a Colorado State Tartan tie or sash. Even if you have no Scottish or Celtic heritage, as a citizen of the United States you are entitled to wear the Saint Andrew's or American Bicentennial Tartan as your national tartan. If your state also has one, you are entitled to wear it as a resident of your state.

Here I am helping out visitors to one of the State's celebrations, decked out in my Scottish attire which includes and arasaig (shawl) of Old Blair tartan.

As an aside: Scotland has co-opted our National Tartan Day and as of 2003 has started to celebrate Tartan Day.