April 6th –National Tartan Day
In both the United States and Canada April 6th is recognized as National Tartan Day in recognition of the contributions of the descendants of Scotland who helped build both countries. In the United States National Tartan Day has a special poignancy because the date chosen is the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. The Declaration of Arbroath –also known as the Declaration of Scottish Independence– includes the lines: “As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we under any conditions be brought under English rule. For we fight not for glory nor for riches nor for honor, but only and alone for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life.” Some historians claim the Declaration of Arbroath was an inspiration for the American Declaration of Independence. It is likely this theory is wishful thinking. However, although the Declaration of Arbroath was signed by the nobles and magnates of Scotland, it includes the revolutionary idea that common men –not kings– can change the fate of their own nation and demand a form of self governance.