Every January, across the globe, Scots, those of Scottish descent, and those who wish to be Scottish for at least one evening, come together to celebrate Scotland’s national poet – Robert Burns.
Who, you say? Who’s this Robert Burns? Well, you might have heard one of his works, called Auld Lang Syne. Only the second most sung song in the world, beaten only by the little ditty that Buddy the Elf sang to Santa Claus on his birthday. And Scotland has been celebrating this great man since shortly after his death in 1796.
These celebrations range in size, but they all include speeches, toasts, bagpipes, toasts, haggis, toasts, good food, toasts, and toasts. And Missouri has quite a few to choose from in the coming weeks in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield.
Saturday, January 13
- St. Louis – Scottish Rite, Valley of St. Louis
Saturday, January 20
- Kansas City – Knights of St. Andrew
- St. Louis – St. Andrew Society of Greater St. Louis
Thursday, January 25
Saturday, January 27
- Kansas City – KC St. Andrew Society
- Springfield – Scottish Rite , Valley of Joplin
And while you’re waiting, here’s a few clips from previous events. First, my late father, toasting the haggis. Yes, toasting the haggis.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctzLA0yVIk0[/embedyt]
And then my tribute to Robert Burns, which is known as the Immortal Memory at every Burns Dinner.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsbEr_u_XhY[/embedyt]
Sláinte!