Earlier this year the American House of Representatives passed a resolution recognising the close ties between the mutual inspiration between Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns and the Founding Fathers of America.
The resolution was submitted by Mike McIntyre (already well known for his Scottish ancestry) from North Carolina the US state with more people of Scottish descent living there than live in the entire country of Scotland.
The Resolution also recognised that Robert Burns had truly inspired the Founding Fathers of America writing inspirational poems such as “Ode for General Washington’s Birthday” and “Ballard on the American War”.
“Scots Wha Hae”
One of Robert Burns most famous songs Scots Wha Hae has long been recognised as the unofficial Battle Cry for Scotland’s own independence from foreign rule was actually inspired by the American struggle for Independence from the same ruling country.
Robert Burns was one of many who hoped that the American victory for independence would lead to similar revolutions right across Europe including of course the Scots claim for independence against the English rule.
President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was one of many Americans who took part in Burns Night celebrations. Shortly before his election he not only attended but gave the famous immortal speech to remind every person there exactly why they are meeting to celebrate the birth and life of Robert Burns who was an inspiration to so many around the world. It was reported that Lincoln was so moved enough by Robert Burns life and his poetry he tried with mixed success to give the address in an America version of the Scots Tongue (not and easy task for anyone to do even us born and living in Scotland would have to practice this).
No Comments Yet
Be the first to comment.