NATIONAL TARTAN DAY
National Tartan Day on April 6th honors the Scottish heritage flowing through the United States and the estimated 20-25 million Americans claim Scottish descent. The celebration takes place during Scottish American Heritage Month.
From its early beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood.
It was 400 years before the Scots declared, “For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.” – from the Declaration of Arbroath
Surprisingly, 9 of the 13 governors in the newly established United States were Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent.
Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 46 Presidents who have taken office, 35 have been of Scottish descent.
Those with Tartan blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artists, experienced leaders, and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTartanDay
- Attend a parade or event in your area.
- Check local civic websites for any Tartan Day events.
- Learn more about Scots in America.
- Wear your tartan.
- Use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL TARTAN DAY HISTORY
On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate passed Resolution 155, designating April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day. The day recognizes Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States. The House passed Resolution 41 on March 9, 2005, and George W. Bush signed the Presidential Proclamation on April 4, 2008.
On this day in 1320, Scots signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England. For more information, visit www.americanscottishfoundation.com.
Tartan FAQ
Q. Do all Scottish families have a tartan?
A. No. Tartans are most closely associated with families from the Scottish Highlands which comprise about one-quarter of the population of Scotland.
Q. Can anyone wear tartan?
A. There is one tartan that anyone can wear: the Stuart Tartan.
