State of Alabama - Office of the Governor Bob Riley

Scottish Heritage Month
By the Governor of the State of Alabama
A Proclamation
March 21, 2008

WHEREAS, April 6, 2008 marks the 668th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, in which Scotland declared its independence from England, and is one of the precursors of the United States Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, 56 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and 9 of the Governors of the original 13 colonies were of Scottish descent; and

WHEREAS, more than 17 million Americans can trace their roots back to Scotland; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has the 2nd most residents of Scottish heritage in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Flag is based on the Saltire, also known as the St. Andrew's Cross, the National Flag of Scotland; and

WHEREAS, the Scottish cultural identity reflects individualism, a strong work ethic, family loyalty, patriotism, and faith in God; and

WHEREAS, citizens of both Alabama and Scotland are first in the defense of rights and freedom as evidenced by the Alabama State motto, "Audemus jura nostra defendere", and Scotland's well known and historic love of freedom; and

WHEREAS, the Scottish self-reliance and their unbending spirit helped to shape the unmistakable character of this country and the State of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the Scottish have been instrumental in the development of Alabama:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2008, as

Scottish Heritage Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of March 2008.

Governor Bob Riley

For more contact information, visit: http://www.governor.alabama.gov/
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	STATE OF ALABAMA
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