National Tartan Day

[honeychile]

You're probably not finished celebrating St. Patrick's Day, but for those of you who are Irish AND Scots, get ready to party again!

Seems that every April 6th is Tartan Day, and with over 11 million Scots in the United States, you may have missed out on a chance to pay homage to your Scottish ancestors in the past. From the Eogn newsletter:

"National Tartan Day
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
Announcements: Let’s make haggis!

April 6 will be the national holiday for all Scottish Americans. More than eleven million Americans claim Scottish and Scotch-Irish roots, making them the eighth largest ethnic group in the United States. From the framers of the Declaration of Independence to the first man on the moon, Scottish-Americans have contributed mightily to the fields of the arts, science, politics, law, and more. These are the people and accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day, April 6th.

"The picture [below] is of Sean Connery with members of the United States Air Force Reserve’s Pipe and Drum Band in Washington, DC. The occasion was Tartan Day, 2004....

"On March 9, 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 41, which designates April 6th of each year as “National Tartan Day.” National Tartan Day was created to recognize the contributions that were made by Scottish-Americans to the development of the United States. April 6 was chosen as that date commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over English territorial claims, and which was an influence on the American Declaration of Independence.

"Canada has been celebrating “National Tartan Day” since 1993.

"Because April 6 falls in mid-week (Tuesday), New York City will celebrate Tartan Day the following Saturday: April 10. Two thousand pipers and drummers will assemble for the 12th Annual New York Tartan Day Parade – New York’s biggest celebration for pipers, drummers, Scottish music and single malt whisky! The 2010 Grand Marshal will be Alex Fergusson, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.

"A post-parade party will be held at Stout NYC, 133 West 33rd Street, featuring popular live bands “Enter the Haggis” and “Barley Juice.”"

Read more about it at: Tartan Day. If my taxes are done (!), plan to see me at the Alexandria festivities!