Something historic is happening tomorrow. Something that you probably wont see again in your lifetime. Maybe it doesnt mean anything to you, but that doesnt diminish what the importance it has, and the very long reaching effect it will have on our world and the world of tomorrow. In 1314, on the field of Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce led a ragtag army of Scots against what should have been an easily superior force of Brits led by Edward the II. Poor leadership perhaps, but it was a chance they took and they earned their independence. For almost 400 years they existed as their own kingdom, something they had never had before, and they became a unique and exhilarating society. In 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, and the two kingdoms, while strictly separate, fell under one leadership. Eventually this lead to the Act of Union in 1707 which created the United Kingdom, or what most everyone calls Great Britain. 69 years later, the 13 colonies of the Americas declared their independence, and our nation was born. In 1982, Canada gained the last of its legal independence from the UK. Now, the people of Scotland will go to the polls tomorrow to cast their vote for Scottish Independence. That will sever the two largest and most powerful parts of the United Kingdom. This is history in the making right now. It is something that will have very far reaching impact, and could embolden the other parts of the UK to also seek their own way, or, in the case of Northern Ireland, a reunification. Who knows what possibilities this could have. Of course, it may be a moot point, if the people of Scotland decide to remain united. But it still is one of the most incredible events of our lives. Sure, weve seen the break up of the Soviet Union, the separation of the Czech Republic from Slovakia, the end of Yugoslavia, the emergence of the Democratic Republic of China - but this is a historic event nonetheless due to its proximity to our own history. And should the vote to remain in the Union occur, then we probably wont see another vote for Scottish Independence again in our lifetimes. I am one half Croatian on my dads side of the family, and on my mothers side we trace our lineage to Ireland and Scotland. My Irish heritage goes to the Cahills and Boyles, and my Scottish heritage to Clan Ferguson. As much as I love my Irish heritage I also embrace my Scots ancestry, just not as outwardly displayed because of my choice of musical heritage to pursue. Tomorrow, my Scottish heritage wants Scotland to do what it right by Scotland, I consciously hope they choose their independence. Even if they do, it will be several years before they separate all the ties that bind, but it will be a momentous occasion. I am also hopeful that this independence, should it happen, lead to the reunification of the six counties of Ulster, that chose to remain loyal to the crown, and have a united Ireland once more. Why should I care? Im an American, right? By birth, yes. But the blood of my ancestors still flows strong in my veins, and that yearning for freedom and independence still pounds in my heart. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 01:15:44 +0000
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