Robert Burns Scotland’s National Poet created a big impact on the American House of Representatives earlier this year. Burns proved beyond all doubt that he had helped inspire many of the early founding fathers of America. In return The House of Representatives passed a resolution recognising his role and encouraging the 200 plus organisations in the USA to continue forging links between Scotland and The USA.
North Carolina Congressman Mike McIntyre (himself of Scottish descent) was the person responsible in proposing the resolution to be passed by the House of Representatives.
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
Shortly before his election President Abraham Lincoln attended a Burns Supper giving the burns Immortal Memory speech. This very personal speech is given at every Burns Night Supper each year to remind everyone why they are meeting to remember the Scottish Bard. It is said by some that Abraham Lincoln attempted to give the address in the Scots accent with a mixed success given the difficulty of this even by those brought up in Scotland but having to speak the standard English for most of the day in our workplace communications.