[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                          NATIONAL TARTAN DAY

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I rise to commemorate the second 
anniversary of National Tartan Day. I will be assisting those who do 
not have on their plaids, their Tartans, during the day to make sure 
you have one for your lapel--if not around your neck. We welcome our 
special guest chaplain in the Senate, the Right Reverend John Cairns, 
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. It is my 
understanding that the office of Moderator is the highest honor that 
the Church of Scotland can bestow on a minister. The Moderator has had 
a distinguished career in the ministry, and we are truly privileged to 
have him as our guest for today's Tartan Day activities.
  I remind my colleagues that the resolution which established National 
Tartan Day was Senate Resolution 155. It passed by unanimous consent on 
March 20th of 1998. 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 have 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 Americans of Scottish 
ancestry continue to make to our country. National Tartan Day is an 
opportunity to pause and reflect on the role Scottish Americans have 
played in advancing democracy and freedom. They have helped shape this 
Nation. Their contributions are innumerable. In fact, I myself was 
surprised to learn that 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 freedom. 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, the Scottish 
Declaration of Independence, was signed. 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.
  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 hail originally from Carroll County, MS, where the neighborhood was 
made up of Watsons, my mother's family; McCains, Senator John McCain's 
family; McCalebs, McLeans, McKellys, and the list goes on and on. Most 
of them were ``Macs.'' I don't know how the Watsons got in there.
  I thank all of my colleagues who supported this resolution in the 
past and who helped to remind the world of the stand for liberty taken 
on April 6--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.
  It has been my hope that this annual event will grow in prominence 
each year, similar to St. Patrick's Day and Columbus Day, and the 
ceremonies and activities taking place today and over the next few days 
demonstrate that these goals are coming to fruition. 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. 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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