Congress Thanks Scots Poet Robert Burns On His Inspiration To The American Founding Fathers! July 28, 2009
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”
Scots Wha Hae by Robert Burns was at one time regarded as the unofficial national anthem and is still a strong contender if Scotland gets its independence. It was strongly inspired by the American struggle for independence from the same English government.
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).