[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL TARTAN DAY

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I rise to commemorate the first 
anniversary of National Tartan Day. While it is observed on April 6 of 
each year, I make this recognition today because Congress will be in 
recess on that day. I want to remind my colleagues that the resolution 
which establishes National Tartan Day was Senate Resolution 155. It 
passed by unanimous consent on March 20th of last year.
  As an American of Scottish descent, I appreciate the efforts of 
individuals, clan organizations, and other groups such as the Scottish 
Coalition, who were instrumental in generating support for the 
resolution. These groups worked diligently to foster national awareness 
of the important role that Americans of Scottish descent have played in 
the progress of our country.
  Mr. President, the purpose of National Tartan Day is to recognize the 
contributions that Americans of Scottish ancestry have made to our 
national heritage. It also recognizes the contributions that Scottish 
Americans continue to make to our country. I look forward to National 
Tartan Day as another opportunity to pause and reflect on the role 
Scottish Americans have played in advancing democracy and freedom. It 
is my hope that this annual event will grow in prominence. Scottish 
Americans have helped shape this nation. Their contributions are 
innumerable. In fact, three fourths of all American Presidents can 
trace their roots to Scotland.
  Mr. President, in addition to recognizing Americans of Scottish 
ancestry, National Tartan Day reminds us of the importance of liberty. 
It honors those who strived for freedom from an oppressive government 
on April 6th, 1320. It was on that day that the Declaration of Arbroath 
was signed. It is the Scottish Declaration of Independence. This 
important document served as the model for America's Declaration of 
Independence.
  In demanding their independence from England, the men of Arbroath 
wrote, ``We fight for liberty alone, which no good man loses but with 
his live.'' These words are applicable today to the heroism of our 
American veterans and active duty forces who know the precious cost of 
fighting for liberty.
  Mr. President, Senate Resolution 155 has served as a catalyst for the 
many states, cities, and counties that have passed similar resolutions 
recognizing the important contributions of Scottish Americans.
  I would like to thank all of my colleagues who supported this 
resolution last year and who helped to remind the world of the stand 
for liberty taken on April 6--almost seven hundred years ago--in 
Arbroath, Scotland. A call for liberty which still echoes through our 
history and the history of many nations across the globe.
  I believe April 6th can also serve as a day to recognize those 
nations that have not achieved the principles of freedom which we hold 
dear. The example of the Scotsmen at Arbroath--their courage--their 
desire for freedom--serves as a beacon to countries still striving for 
liberty today.

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