The Society Events

Why a Kilt?

America’s National Tartan Day was officially recognized by the U.S. Senate in 1998 in order to celebrate the contribution that has been made by generations of Scots-Americans to the character and prosperity of the United States. President Woodrow Wilson, the son of a Scottish Presbyterian minister, once said: "Every line in America's history is a line colored by Scottish blood." Indeed, there are over 20 million people who claim Scottish descent in the United States, and many of them take pride in the transatlantic connection. These are the people and the accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day, April 6th.

Scotland, as a constituent part of the United Kingdom, has been reinvigorated by a new Parliament that has radically changed the political landscape. In historical terms, much of the basis for today's political system in Scotland was established in Edinburgh during the 18th century. The Scottish Enlightenment was very influential across Europe and beyond; the principles found in the earlier Declaration of Arbroath from 1320 – common sense philosophy, the belief that any man is as good as his master, and that the people must reign supreme— helped shape the thinking behind the American constitution. The anniversary of its signing is the date on which Tartan Day is held.

Today St. Andrews Societies, Clan associations, Caledonian clubs and Burns Suppers are the most obvious signs of continued Scottish influence on modern day America. The links between Scotland and America, both historic and contemporary, run deep and remain strong. Tartan Day is now firmly part of the U.S. calendar and a welcome signal that the Scots-American relationship can only strengthen in the 21st century.