[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1029-H1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ESTABLISH ``NATIONAL 
  TARTAN DAY'' RECOGNIZING ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SCOTTISH-
                               AMERICANS

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 41) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives that a day should be established as ``National Tartan 
Day'' to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made 
by Scottish-Americans to the United States.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 41

       Whereas April 6 has a special significance for all 
     Americans, and especially those Americans of Scottish 
     descent, because the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish 
     Declaration of Independence, was signed on April 6, 1320, and 
     the American Declaration of Independence was modeled in part 
     on that inspirational document;
       Whereas this resolution honors the major role that 
     Scottish-Americans played in the founding of the Nation, such 
     as the fact that almost half of the signers of the 
     Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, the 
     Governors in 9 of the original 13 States were of Scottish 
     ancestry, and Scottish-Americans successfully helped shape 
     the Nation in its formative years and guide it through its 
     most troubled times;
       Whereas this resolution 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;
       Whereas this resolution commends the more than 200 
     organizations throughout the United States that honor 
     Scottish heritage, tradition, and culture, representing the 
     hundreds of thousands of Americans of Scottish descent, 
     residing in every State, who already have made the observance 
     of Tartan Day on April 6 a success; and
       Whereas these numerous individuals, clans, societies, 
     clubs, and fraternal organizations do not let the great 
     contributions of the Scottish people go unnoticed: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that a day should be established as 
     ``National Tartan Day'' to recognize the outstanding 
     achievements and contributions made by Scottish-Americans to 
     the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).


                             General Leave

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 41.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, H. Res. 41 expresses the sense of the House of 
Representatives regarding ``National Tartan Day.'' This is a resolution 
for which I have the privilege to be the primary Republican sponsor, 
and the primary sponsor on the Democratic side has been the gentleman 
from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre). Each year, thousands of Americans 
of Scottish origin recognize April 6 as Tartan or Clan Day. Next month 
many events around the country will commemorate National Tartan Day at 
churches, festivals, and other social gatherings.
  In March 1998, the Senate designated April 6 of each year as National 
Tartan Day because that is the date the Declaration of Arbroath was 
drafted.
  The House no longer permits establishments of commemorations, but I 
am pleased to support National Tartan Day and salute all Americans who 
will observe this day.
  The consideration of this resolution also provides an opportunity to 
review an important time in world history. In 1296, King Edward the 
First of England invaded Scotland. The following year, Robert the Bruce 
responded by leading Scots in a revolt to regain their sovereignty. 
Members may remember Robert the Bruce as the leader who continued the 
Scottish rebellion after his comrade-in-arms William Wallace's death, 
as portrayed in the movie ``Braveheart.''
  After years of conflict, the outmanned Scottish soldiers, led by 
Robert the Bruce, who had since been crowned King of Scotland, overcame 
the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. This battle was the 
culmination of Robert's struggle for Scottish independence.
  Afterwards, the Declaration of Arbroath was written and completed on 
April 6, 1320, most likely by the monks of Arbroath Abbey on behalf of 
the Scottish barons and nobles. The declaration was a letter, in Latin, 
sent to Pope John the 22nd because the Pope had yet to recognize 
Scottish independence. The declaration affirmed Scotland's 
determination to maintain its independence.

[[Page H1030]]

  Ultimately, the Pope was swayed by the Scottish appeal, and King 
Edwards, III, recognized King Robert and the independence of Scotland 
in 1328. The Declaration of Arbroath is undeniably the most important 
document in Scottish history, but it is also widely viewed as greatly 
influencing the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.
  Members can also see Scottish-American influence throughout the 
history of our great Nation. Thirty-five U.S. Supreme Court justices 
have been of Scottish descent. Nearly half of the Secretaries of the 
U.S. Treasury, and one-third of the Secretaries of State have been of 
Scottish origin. Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence 
were directly or indirectly descended from the Scots. And nine out of 
13 Governors of the newly created United States were Scot or of 
Scottish descent.
  The 2000 census reported that almost 5 million Americans are of 
Scottish heritage, and 4.3 million of Scots-Irish descent.
  Madam Speaker, almost everyone who settled my home area of east 
Tennessee was of Scottish or Scots-Irish origin. The Scots-Irish were 
originally the poorest people in Scotland. Then they moved to Ireland 
and became the poorest people there. Then the Scots-Irish moved to the 
United States and became the poorest people here. They seem to have a 
knack for it.
  Scottish-Americans, however, also have a knack for working hard to 
preserve their ancestry and heritage. There are more than 200 
organizations through the United States that honor Scottish heritage. 
In my district, the Scottish Society of Knoxville recently held its 
annual Robert Burns Night when they honored Scotland's most celebrated 
poet.
  Each year in Gatlinburg, right outside my district, Scottish-
Americans from all over the country gather for the Gatlinburg Scottish 
Festival Games, or better known as Highland games. Festivities include 
throwing the battle axe, the kilted mile, and highland wrestling. 
Highland games like these are held all over the Nation.
  A few years ago, the airline magazine ``World Traveler'' of Northwest 
Airlines profiled my Scottish ancestry. In that interview I told them 
one cannot get much more Scottish than having the name Duncan, being 
Presbyterian, and having most of one's relatives coming from Scott 
County, Tennessee.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud of my Scottish and Scots-Irish heritage. I 
am pleased to join with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
McIntyre) in support of House Resolution 41. I thank him for offering 
this measure and urge its adoption.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), the other 
cosponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor all of those of 
Scottish ancestry who have had an impact on America in the present and 
the past, and we know they will in the future.
  April 6, Tartan Day, is a significant day for all Americans. Since 
the founding of our Nation, Scottish-Americans have played a key role 
in the growth of the United States. Contributions made by Scottish-
Americans have helped America's preeminence in the fields of science, 
technology, medicine, government, politics, economics, architecture, 
literature, the media, visual and performing arts, and yes, athletics 
and entertainment as well.
  Tartan Day has a special significance for all of us who share 
Scottish heritage. Next month, the 685th anniversary of the Declaration 
of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence, will be 
celebrated. The Declaration of Arbroath was signed on April 6, 1320. 
This declaration of independence includes these inspirational lines: 
``We fight not for glory, nor riches nor honors, but for freedom alone, 
which no good man gives up except with his life.''
  Since that important day, April 6 has been set aside to honor the 
millions of Scottish descendants who have made outstanding 
contributions to our great society. Over 450 years later, the American 
Declaration of Independence was modeled in part on that inspirational 
document. When our Nation was founded, almost half of the signers of 
America's Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, and 
nine of the Governors of the original 13 States were of Scottish 
ancestry. Throughout the history of our country, three-fourths of our 
Presidents have been of Scottish ancestry. This tells us despite the 
fact we are few in number, Scots tend to take seriously the words from 
the Declaration of Arbroath.
  Many of us in the House of Representatives can claim Scottish 
ancestry as well, including the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), 
an original cosponsor of this resolution. Every day those of us of 
Scottish descent in this Chamber live by the words of the Declaration 
of Arbroath that I quoted a moment ago. We are here to advance freedom.
  Today it is my honor to recognize the 685th anniversary of this 
historic declaration. We have friends in the gallery from the National 
Capital Society, St. Andrew's Society, and if they would stand. Many of 
them are in their Scottish dress and kilts as well. We thank them for 
their presence as well.
  Scottish-Americans have left their mark on America as pioneers and 
innovators. Their contributions to the history and development of the 
United States are invaluable. Who are we talking about? Here are some 
examples of great Scottish-Americans past and present: Neil Armstrong; 
Alexander Graham Bell; Andrew Carnegie; Julia Child; Hugh Downs; Thomas 
Edison; Malcolm S. Forbes; Katherine Hepburn; Billy Graham; Washington 
Irving; Andrew Mellon; Samuel F.B. Morse; Grandma Moses; and with the 
ACC tournament coming to Washington, James Naismith; Edgar Allan Poe; 
Willard Scott; Robert Louis Stevenson; Elizabeth Taylor; and James 
McNeil Whistler, just to mention a few.

                              {time}  1030

  In fact, one in 10 of all Nobel prizes awarded have gone to people of 
Scottish ancestry.
  Today, there are more than 200 organizations throughout the United 
States that honor Scottish heritage, tradition and culture, 
representing hundreds of thousands of Americans who are of Scottish 
descent. Every year, the observance of Tartan Day on April 6 is a 
success because of these fine organizations. There are Scottish-
American clan societies, clubs, fraternal associations and individual 
Scottish Americans that represent literally millions of Americans 
nationwide.
  In North Carolina, my home State, Mecklenburg County first officially 
observed Tartan Day in 1996. The City of Greensboro has followed suit. 
Tennessee and Colorado also have special days honoring Scottish 
heritage. The Alaska Highlanders pipe band in Anchorage has celebrated 
this special time as has California with proclamations issued by 
several cities and counties as well.
  Later this month, a congressional delegation will be traveling as 
guests of the British government to Scotland. It will be our great 
honor to present this resolution to the Scottish Parliament with a 
declaration that the United States has officially recognized at long 
last the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scots 
everywhere.
  A Tartan provides instant recognition of family and kinship. Passing 
this resolution honoring Tartan Day will further emphasize the many 
Scottish contributions to the growth and development of our great 
country, the United States of America.
  On behalf of all of us of Scottish descent, I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution. Help us officially honor the 
contributions made by Scottish Americans by voting ``yes'' on H. Res. 
41, a resolution recognizing National Tartan Day.


                Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Issa). The Chair would remind all 
Members to refrain from making references to persons in the gallery.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, as a proud second-generation Scottish American, I join 
my colleagues in recognizing the tremendous contributions of Scottish 
Americans who immigrated to America because they hoped for a better 
life and

[[Page H1031]]

all the wonderful possibilities that is America. Their ambitions, their 
braveness, their pioneering spirit helped build our economy, helped 
build our culture and, more than anything, contributed to our history.
  I think it is significant to note, certainly, that one-half of the 
signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and at least 11 United 
States Presidents have been of Scottish ancestry. They were pioneers, 
of course, but they also had an ability and the desire to work hard.
  Some of the great Scottish Americans include Alexander Hamilton, one 
of the architects of our Constitution and the first Secretary of the 
Treasury; John Paul Jones, the father of the United States Navy; Andrew 
Carnegie, one of the most successful businessmen ever, renowned for his 
charitable activities; Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the 
telephone; Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, who both captured the 
imaginations of the entire world by floating above it and exploring 
what no person had ever explored before.
  In fact, the term `Great Scot' is meant to express oneself in the 
presence of something extraordinary. I think I speak for all Americans 
of Scottish heritage and lineage when I say that the Scots brought a 
spirit of freedom and rugged individualism that found fertile soil in 
America.
  On a final note, I might add that it was the Scots, of course, who 
originated the game of golf, and it is well known that, less than 1 
hour after golf was invented in Scotland, that the first golf joke was 
heard.
  Mr. Speaker, Scots are usually members of a clan, from the term 
`clanna' which means ``group function as a family,'' coexisting, 
succeeding and overcoming as a family. Today, we pay tribute to all 
Scottish Americans who have strengthened our American family.
  I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, from time to time, it is important that we acknowledge 
our individual histories and the characteristics that define us as 
Americans. Last month, we celebrated African-American History Month. 
Today, I am very happy to stand with the gentleman from North Carolina 
(Mr. McIntyre) and the other 56 cosponsors of H. Res. 41. This bill 
recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions made by 
Scottish Americans to the United States by expressing the sense of the 
House of Representatives that a day should be established as National 
Tartan Day.
  Scottish Americans have played important roles in the growth and 
development of this Nation. Three such Scottish Americans are John 
Witherspoon, Andrew Carnegie and Alexander Graham Bell. John 
Witherspoon immigrated to the United States in order to become the 
sixth President of Princeton University. He was a member of the 
ratifying convention that made New Jersey the third State to ratify the 
Constitution of the United States. He also is identified with the 
Common Sense Philosophy, which is considered to be of importance in the 
development of our national life.
  Andrew Carnegie came to the United States not as an educated man but 
as a poor immigrant. His vision and business acumen earned him a 
fortune in steel during the industrial revolution. Carnegie used his 
wealth to establish one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the 
United States. Much of his collected fortune was spent to establish 
over 2,500 public libraries and to support institutions of higher 
learning and public education. By the end of his life, Carnegie gave 
away $350 million.
  Inventor Alexander Graham Bell, like Carnegie, was primarily self-
educated, and he, too, accomplished much during his life. Graham is 
best known for inventing the telephone, though he explored the realm of 
communications and engaged in a great variety of scientific activities.
  Almost a decade ago, Congress recognized the influential role of the 
Scottish community in our country by making April 6, 1997, National 
Tartan Day. April 6 was chosen because it commemorates the signing of 
the Declaration of Arbroath, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over 
English territorial claims and influenced our own Declaration of 
Independence.
  Therefore, Madam Speaker, I want to take this moment to thank the 
originators of this bill for their leadership and want to reiterate my 
strong support for H. Res. 41. Our Scottish citizens have made a 
tremendous impact on the development of this Nation, and all of us are 
proud of them.
  Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Let me just close by, first of all, thanking the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for his words and especially thanking our 
colleague from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre) for his great leadership 
on this legislation. I thank you for your noting the origins of the 
great game of golf in Scotland. As one who loves golf, and you 
mentioned golf jokes, I might just tell you that when I come in from 
playing golf and people ask me how I did, I just tell them 
unbelievable, and they can take it anyway they want to then.
  I think this is important legislation, and I will tell you why. There 
are very few countries that have as close ties as the United States and 
Scotland. We have mentioned many of those ties and much of that 
heritage here today. But until this day and until this legislation, 
those close ties between Scotland and the United States have not been 
recognized in any way by the United States House of Representatives. 
And so I urge my colleagues to support this very important resolution.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
many achievements and contributions that Scottish-Americans have made 
to the United States. I have long touted the importance of immigration 
as a source of strength for our Nation, and I am gratified to see the 
Scottish-American immigrant population be recognized by this House 
Resolution.
  Scottish-Americans have made significant contributions to American 
society and have played an influential role in the history of our 
country. Not only was Alexander Hamilton, one of our founding fathers, 
a Scottish-American, but at least eleven U.S. Presidents were also of 
Scottish descent. Among the ranks of proud Scottish-Americans were 
almost half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and two 
of the first Supreme Court Justices. Andrew Carnegie, one of this 
country's most successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists, came to 
this country as a poor Scottish immigrant.
  To honor the contributions of Scottish immigrants, it is appropriate 
that Congress recognize April 6 as ``National Tartan Day.'' The 
recognition by Congress that immigrants of all backgrounds contribute 
immeasurably to our success as a nation is a sentiment to which I could 
not more strongly agree.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the achievements of the 
Scottish-American community. On behalf of this body, I express my 
support for establishing April 6 as ``National Tartan Day'' and 
congratulate the Scottish-American community on their numerous 
contributions to our Nation.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Michigan). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) that 
the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 41.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________