[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4818]
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 fifth 
anniversary of National Tartan Day. While it is observed on April 6 of 
each year, I make this recognition today because the Senate is not 
expected to be in session on that date. 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 20 of 1998.
  As an American of Scottish descent, I appreciate the efforts of the 
individuals, clan organizations, and all the many other groups 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.
  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 continue to grow in prominence, with ceremonies and 
activities similar to those that have been held over the past few 
years. 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.
  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 6, 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 life. `` 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--a fight that is taking place at this moment as a 
coalition of military forces seeks liberation for the people of Iraq.
  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 those groups and individuals who have continued the work of 
reminding the world of the stand for liberty taken on April 6th almost 
700 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 6 can also serve as a day to recognize those nations 
that have not achieved the principles of freedom which we hold dear, 
and which we are fighting for even now. The example of the Scotsmen at 
Arbroath--their courage--their desire for freedom--still serves as a 
bright beacon today.

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