We were recently involved in the observance of Tartan Day in the State of Washington. An April 6th ceremony, which has been performed for several years now, was again conducted at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. Among other things, this involved the reading of US Senate Resolution 155 which created Tartan Day in the US.
This year, a special part of the Ceremony was the raising of a 10 foot by 15 foot Saltire flag which had been purchased, specifically for this purpose, by donations from within the Scottish community. The Flag was an impressive sight on one of the 80 foot flagpoles controlled by the Governor, beside the Stars and Stripes and the flag of the Evergreen State of Washington
We look forward to seeing this type of ceremony repeated in Washington and perhaps being introduced in other States. We wish to support any action being taken in the future which enhances the status of Tartan Day and informs more people of the significance of April 6, 1320 in the history of Scotland - and the World - (the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath - a first, perhaps the first recorded movement of a people toward a democratic system of government).
As discussed under Scotland’s Mark, those of Scottish blood have much to admire in the accomplishments of our previous generations. Those of us around today need to recognize and be inspired by these accomplishments and seek to further contribute to the glorious legacy left us by our predecessors. That, we think, is what Tartan Day is for!!