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.

Congressman Mike McIntyre of North Carolina proposed and steered the resolution through the House of Representatives in February 2009. North Carolina is of course the US State where thousands of early Scottish settlers put down their roots and now boosts more people who pride themselves in their Scottish ancestry than there are Scots living in the whole of Scotland.

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 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).