2014 and 2013

It was announced yesterday that Great Britain has cleared the way for Scotland to carry out a vote in 2014 as to whether Scotland should become a free and independent nation again. Emotions are high on both sides of the issue. I was told that much of the establishment would like to see Scotland remain part of Britain, while many of the average Scots want it to become free. 

Alex Salmond, the first minister of Scotland's semi-autonomous parliament said it was a historic day for Scotland. The agreement setting out the process of the referendum was a major step forward in Scotland's home-rule journey, he told a news conference: "Do I believe independence will win this campaign? Yes I do, and I believe we will win it by setting out a positive vision for a better future for our country both economically and, crucially, also socially."

It is probably a good thing to have another couple of years to look at all angles of this important step in Scotland's history. At least some of this nationalistic movement was prompted by, or at least brought to the surface by the movie Braveheart, followed closely with Sean Connery's involvement, although, there has been a nationalist movement for a long time in Scotland, perhaps even since Edward walked off with the Stone of Destiny.

However it works out, Scots will be Scots 'til their dying breath.

In 2013, Lake Erie will be the scene of a re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Erie in which Commodore Perry's fleet of ships, built or gathered at Erie , PA, took on the British fleet near the Lake Erie Islands off Sandusky, Ohio and defeated them in one day. I have an article about a double un-sung Celtic hero in the November issue of the Guide, who was directly involved in this battle.

The celebration will be both of the battle itself and the peace that has persisted with Great Britain ever since, and with Canada along the longest border in the world.

We celebrate the bravery and courage of many past warriors while still hoping for peace in a much more enlightened world. As long as personal freedom comes out on top, that is what is most important.