Presidential Candidates Back Scotland Week

NEW YORK, April 5, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- All three Presidential candidates have united to back the Scotland Week celebrations in the USA in an unprecedented show of solidarity.

Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain have issued statements of support for the Tartan Day and Scotland Week celebrations -- and President George W Bush has also issued a proclamation in support.

Welcoming the statements, First Minister Alex Salmond said:

"We have had exceptional political support throughout the week. From the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a 47 strong Congressional membership of the Scottish caucus -- and soon to be 20 members in the Senate as pledged by Senator Jim Webb at the Tartan Day reception.

"To have one in five members of the Senate member would undoubtedly be of major significance to Scotland, and I look forward to Senator Webb increasing the caucus membership.

"However, to get the support of all three Presidential Candidates indicates that whoever is in the White House next year will be a strong supporter of Tartan Day and a firm friend of Scotland."

Briefing notes

Woodrow Wilson said: "Every line of strength in American history is a line colored with Scottish blood." And this year's Scotland Week once again confirms Scotland's place in the hearts of Americans -- and Canada too!

Presidential Backing -- Present and Future

12 U.S. Presidents were of Scottish descent -- and with all Presidential candidates claiming Scottish descent, it seems the next President will be as well! This year, in addition to a proclamation from President Bush, all three Presidential candidates have sent messages of support to the Scottish Government for the Tartan Day and Scotland Week celebrations.

Statement from Senator Barack Obama:

"I am proud to recognize the tenth anniversary of the Senate's resolution commemorating Tartan Day. With millions of Americans of Scottish descent living throughout the country, it is important to celebrate the historic relationship between the United States and Scotland, and the great contributions Scottish Americans have made. I wish you the best during this Scotland Week celebration."

Statement from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton:

"I want to extend my congratulations to the millions of Americans of Scottish descent during the April 6 celebration of National Tartan Day, which marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. On this day, we recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Americans of Scottish descent who have played a prominent role in the founding of this country and throughout our history, and who have helped foster a strong relationship between the U.S. and Scotland. I want to reaffirm the tenth anniversary of Senate Resolution 155, which designates this and each April 6 as 'National Tartan Day'."

Statement from Senator John McCain:

"I am pleased to commemorate our nation's longstanding relationship with Scotland. I am particularly honored to do so now, during the first official 'Scotland Week' in the U.S. Marking April 6 as National Tartan Day helps raise awareness among all Americans of the great contributions made by their fellow countrymen of Scottish descent."

Tartan Day Proclamation from President Bush:

"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."

Growing support for Scotland on Capitol Hill

This year's Scotland Week events were attended by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer as well as bipartisan group of Senators and Congressmen on Capitol Hill with a packed out reception and Tartan Day dinner in the Library of Congress.