National Tartan Day, 2008

Proclamation 8233 of April 4, 2008

National Tartan Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans of Scottish descent have made enduring
contributions to our Nation with their hard work,
faith, and values. On National Tartan Day, we celebrate
the spirit and character of Scottish Americans and
recognize their many contributions to our culture and
our way of life.

Scotland and the United States have long shared ties of
family and friendship, and many of our country's most
cherished customs and ideals first grew to maturity on
Scotland's soil. The Declaration of Arbroath, the
Scottish Declaration of Independence signed in 1320,
embodied the Scots' strong dedication to liberty, and
the Scots brought that tradition of freedom with them
to the New World. Sons and daughters of many Scottish
clans were among the first immigrants to settle in
America, and their determination and optimism helped
build our Nation's character. Several of our Founding
Fathers were of Scottish descent, as have been many
Presidents and Justices of the United States Supreme
Court. Many Scottish Americans, such as Andrew
Carnegie, were great philanthropists, founding and
supporting numerous scientific, educational, and civic
institutions. From the evocative sounds of the bagpipes
to the great sport of golf, the Scots have also left an
indelible mark on American culture.

National Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate all
Americans who claim Scottish ancestry, and we are
especially grateful for the service in our Armed Forces
of Scottish Americans who have answered the call to
protect our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim April 6, 2008, as National
Tartan Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this
day by celebrating the continued friendship between the
people of Scotland and the United States and by
recognizing the contributions of Scottish Americans to
our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.