2018-04-06

Tartan Day 2018

Tartan of the Clan Johnston    
Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the date upon which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. Tartan Days typically have parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and other Scottish-themed events.

We have local events celebrating Tartan Day and the celebration grows each year. They have highland games, demonstrations and a lot in the way of celtic lore and wonder. Some day I hope to attend, but the scheduling conflicts with those duties which provide for my need to eat and live indoors.

Being of Scottish and British descent I have been interested in that heritage from about the time I watched the young girl Murron give a Scottish thistle bloom to the young boy William Wallace at the funeral of his father Malcolm, who was slain in battle in the movie Braveheart ... because the profound poignancy of that moment touched me.

Even though I miss those festivities at the speedway each year I have subsequently tried to observe National Tartan Day each time it comes around in an effort to both honor and connect with my legacy. While it's not my habit to be sentimental; I do sustain a few moments therein from time to time as a function of who I am and where I've been.