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WHEREAS, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, or the Declaration of Arbroath, was signed on April 6, 1320, declaring freedom and independence from Britain and serving as a model for our American founding fathers when they framed the Declaration of Independence in 1776; and,
WHEREAS, almost half of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent and the governors of nine of the thirteen original states were of Scottish ancestry; and,
WHEREAS, Scottish Americans have made valuable contributions in many fields, including law, government, sciences, and the arts which have resulted in the collective success of this nation; and,
WHEREAS, the Scottish American population of the Pittsburgh region is proud to honor the contributions of Hugh Henry Brackenridge and Andrew Carnegie and a myriad of Scottish Americans throughout Pittsburgh history to the present day ; and,
WHEREAS, numerous individuals, clans, societies, clubs and fraternal organizations as well as the St. Andrews Society celebrates Scottish culture and traditions; and,
WHEREAS, Robert Murdoch, Esq., a respected Pittsburgh attorney, has been instrumental in Scottish activities and organizations for more than 40 years, advancing awareness of Scottish heritage and contributions, while gaining honor and prestige as a leader in Scottish societies and foundations and accepting the invitation to be the first National Chairman of Tartan Day.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor the accomplishments and contributions of Scottish Americans and recognizes Robert Murdoch as National Chairman Emeritus of Tartan Day; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare April 6, 2008, as "Tartan Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.