Senate Resolution No. 676

BY: Senator WALCZYK

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 6, 2023, as Tartan Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6, 2023, as Tartan
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Tartan Day; and

WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Scotland enjoy a deep
and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture, and many New
Yorkers proudly trace their roots to Scotland; and

WHEREAS, Tartan Day parades and celebrations have grown
exponentially in New York State since 1999 to celebrate the heritage of
Scottish New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Each year, National Tartan Day is celebrated across the
country on April 6th to recognize the outstanding achievements and
contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, The Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of
Independence signed on April 6, 1320, embodied the Scots' strong
dedication to liberty, and the Scots brought that tradition of freedom
with them to the New World; and

WHEREAS, 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; nearly half of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent and the
Governors in nine of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Scottish Americans were instrumental in
shaping the United States in its formative years and guiding the Nation
through its most troubled times; and

WHEREAS, The monumental achievements and invaluable contributions
made by Scottish Americans have led to America's preeminence in the
fields of science, technology, medicine, government, politics,
economics, architecture, literature, media, and visual and performing
arts; and

WHEREAS, Many Scottish Americans, such as Andrew Carnegie, were
great philanthropists, founding and supporting numerous scientific,
educational, and civic institutions; and

WHEREAS, From the evocative sounds of the bagpipes to the great
sport of golf, the Scots have also left an indelible mark on American
culture; and

WHEREAS, Today, more than 200 organizations throughout the United
States honor Scottish heritage, tradition, and culture, representing the
hundreds of thousands of Americans of Scottish descent, residing in
every State, who continue to make the observance of Tartan Day a
success; and

WHEREAS, By recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of
Scottish Americans, this great Empire State reaffirms our commitment to
diversity and equal opportunity for all, thereby ensuring a bright
future for all New Yorkers and Americans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6, 2023, as Tartan
Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.