Declare Tartan Day Statewide

April 6, 2019, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 6, 2019, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 6, 2019, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.