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April 5th, 2020
Monday April 6th marks the 700th Anniversary of what many believe is one of the most significant documents ever written - The Declaration of Arbroath.
 The Declaration is a letter dated 6 April 1320 written by the barons and freeholders of the Kingdom of Scotland to Pope John XXII, asking him to recognise Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king.
The day was also chosen 678 years later by the US Congress as the date American would honor the contribution of Scottish Americans to the development of the United States - with the passing of Senate Resolution 155, that April 6th be recognized as National Tartan Day.
March 20, 1998, Senate Resolution 155 states:
Whereas April 6 has a special significance for all Americans, and especially those Americans of Scottish descent, because the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, was signed on April 6, 1320 and the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on that inspirational document; Whereas this resolution honors the major role that Scottish Americans played in the founding of this Nation, such as the fact that almost half of the signers of the Declaration of independence were of Scottish descent, the Governors in 9 of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry, Scottish Americans successfully helped shape this country in its formative years and guide this Nation through its most troubled times;
This weekend should have seen celebrations throughout the US taking place to celebrate Scottish American heritage and pride, honoring Tartan Day.
This year it is different - and our first concern is to distance, stay safe at this very difficult time.
BUT as Kyle Dawson, President of the National Tartan Day NY Parade Committee, has devised, we will "pivot" (my new favorite word) and there will be a VIRTUAL Tartan Day
 On April 6th 2020 the National Tartan Day NY Committee are asking us to flood their social media accounts with videos and photos showing off your Scottish splendor.
Post to their page or group on Facebook and tag @nyctartanweek on Instagram and Twitter!
.... "Gather your pipes and bands and play your wee hearts out, record us a Celtic tune on your fiddle or accordion, sing or recite you favorite Scottish poem, recite your best Burns quote!"
Kyle Dawson, President of NTDNYC nyctartanweek.org
AND in honor of the 700th Anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath
and National Tartan Day,
Joins a webinar hosted
by NY Genealogical & Biographical in assoc with American Scottish Foundation
on
Monday April 6 - 12pm
for a Talk with Prof. Donna Heddle of University of the Highlands and Islands.
The webinar is Free - but you need to register
All this we hope helps
give a sense of center to the chaos - a reminder of our love of our
Scottish-American heritage and culture.
In the coming weeks we are looking to partner with the Foreign Press Association on a series of events exploring the the contribution of Scots and Scottish Americans to the development of the United States and also the connections between Scotland and Asia as well.
Follow us on Facebook and watch for future news of virtual events in the days ahead.
With strong thoughts from all of us at American-Scottish Foundation.
Camilla G Hellman
President
A look back at the
2019 New York Tartan Day Parade Weekend
Enjoy these two ASF videos - with grateful thanks to David De Monde and all who took part and to all
of us being together "on the Avenue" for the
2021 New York Tartan Day Parade next year.
ASF are proud to be a founding member of The National Tartan Day NY Committee which was formed in 2002 to take forward and grow the NY Tartan Day Parade and give oversight to leading events of the week. Founding members are Saint Andrews Society of the State of New York, The NY Caledonian Club, The American Scottish Foundation and Clan Campbell.
An exhibit of a copy of the Declaration of Arbroath was to have been
on display as Federal Hall to coincide with the 700th Anniversary
- we look forward to advising of the exhibit's
viewing once the State of Emergency is lifted. We will keep you updated.
The Declaration of Arbroath is said by many to have inspired the
American Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration is a letter dated 6 April 1320 written by the barons and freeholders of the Kingdom of Scotland to Pope John XXII, asking him to recognise Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king.
Visitors will view an English translation of the original Latin text, and learn about the context in which it was written 700 years ago.
Enjoy a Taste of Scotland:
ASF are delighted to announce our new ASF Member Benefit with our partners - and offering during this period our discounts to our Friends as well as Members:
(free freight on orders over $90- exclusive of frozen goods)
ASF Scottish Teas:
Support us as you enjoy our wonderful Scottish Morn or Scottish Afternoon Teas from Harney & Company, a portion of all sales goes to support ASF programs.
Walkers Shortbread
who have a large selection of wonderful Scottish shortbread and biscuits - ASF Members and Friends a special
20% discount on orders
Scottish Banner April Issue is packed full of news
from Scotland, the US and Canada - together with
a great interview with Angus MacFadyen around
his role in "Robert the Bruce" which will be
available shortly - More news soon!
This month issue is available FREE for
ASF Members and Friends to download
There are Ideas for that trip
never taken and events to mark in the
calendar for next year
(like the 2021 NY Tartan Day Parade!)
Ways to Support the American Scottish Foundation
Membership:
A corner stone of organizations is Membership. If not yet a Member of ASF we invite you to
join and take advantage of all of the Foundations benefits
and ways to be involved. 
Your only qualification for Membership is to have
Donations:
At this time please consider a donation to the ASF.
Click here
to help
support of our Heritage, Arts, Culture and
Stay safe, stay home, wash your hands, and dream of Scotland!
Photo: Roger Jepson / Mercury Press.
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