HR0086enr 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0086 Enrolled LRB097 07169 KXB 50110 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION 86

WHEREAS, April 6, 2011, marks the 691st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, in which Scotland declared its independence from England; the Declaration of Arbroath is one of the precursors of the United States Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, Almost half of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and 9 of the Governors of the original 13 colonies were of Scottish descent; and

WHEREAS, More than 11 million Americans can trace their roots back to Scotland; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is home to various festivals and games featuring Scottish culture that are held annually across the State; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1845, the Illinois Saint Andrews Society is the oldest charitable organization in Illinois; their motto is: nourishing Scottish identity through service, fellowship, and the celebration of Scottish culture; their principal charity is the Scottish Home, a nursing home that the Society built in 1910 and has supported for 100 years; the Society also provides scholarships to bright, talented young students and hosts events to help families learn about Scottish culture, art, music, dance, and literature, including the Scottish Festival and Highland Games; and

WHEREAS, The Scottish cultural identity reflects individualism, a strong work ethic, family loyalty, patriotism, and faith in God; and

WHEREAS, Citizens of both the State of Illinois and Scotland are first in the defense of rights and freedom; and

WHEREAS, The Scottish people, with their self-reliance and unbending spirit, helped to shape the unmistakable character of their country and the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the more than 200 organizations throughout the United States that honor Scottish heritage, tradition, and culture, representing the hundreds of thousands of Americans of Scottish descent, residing in every state, who have already made the observance of National Tartan Day on April 6 a success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we proclaim April of 2011 and April of 2012 as Scottish Heritage Month in the State of Illinois.