Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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My Scottish Connection. After discovering my Scottish origins and connections, I have worn a kilt (or tartan) for many years. From my Pennsylvania MacCalums, to the Stewarts, etc, To 'way back to Kenneth MacAlpin, a first king of Alba. Before donning my tartan, I was obliged to do some research. I discovered there were tartans for families and clans And, additionally, for districts, states, provinces, Highway patrols (eg California), to celebrate centennials, As well as generic tartans, worn by anyone with no Scottish connection! One also has the choice of the historical great kilt, Or the modern tartan, designed by an Englishman! The history is massive and totally intriguing (and tragic), So I will conclude with Tartan Day, commemorating Scots. In Canada and the United States, the chosen date for Tartan Day is 6 April, Honoring 6 April 1320, when Robert the Bruce and his nobles Signed and sent their Declaration of Arbroath to the French (!) Pope, Asking for the recognition of Scotland as a nation and to be free from England. Among several documents, Thomas Jefferson used the Scottish Declaration As a model for the U.S. Declaration of Independence. During one of my Scottish visits, a young land reform activist remarked to me, "The wearing of the kilt is a symbol of historical, Cultural resistance and contemporary cultural regeneration." Suas Alba! (Alipa) Up Scotland! Frank Maurer 17 August 2024 1335 Hours.