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Christine Todd Whitman Joins With Clan Currie for Reagan Tribute
Former N.J. Governor Christine Todd Whitman attended the first of the Clan Currie Society’s three Pipes of Christmas performances at Central Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 17, 2004 where she introduced a new composition reflecting on the life of former President Ronald Reagan. While the former director of the Environmental Protection Agency may share political party affiliation with the late president, who died earlier this year, Whitman offered to address the sell-out crowd of nearly 500 to reflect on Reagan’s Scots-Irish heritage. “Perhaps what stood out most about Ronald Reagan was his incredible optimism, his sincere belief that you could accomplish anything you set your mind to,” she said. Whitman related Reagan’s trait when he was a governor and as president to show visitors pictures of people riding horses, or viewing national monuments and treasures in order to get people to talk about themselves. “He listened extraordinarily well, because that’s how he learned so much,” she said. “We have an opportunity tonight to experience the extraordinary diversity that exists in New Jersey. ... Let’s listen (to the pipes) in a way that Ronald Reagan would have listened: to learn, to appreciate, and to build on that with our hopes and dreams.” Interviewed after the musical tribute, Whitman said, “I think he would have loved it. I think he would have loved the whole evening. He was proud of his heritage as an American of Scots-Irish descent.”
A lover of bagpipe music, Whitman called the concert “a wonderful blend of instruments. It really brings out the season. It’s great. It harkens me back to my Scots descent.” International Acclaim Whitman wasn’t the only national leader praising the Society for its efforts. U.S. Senator Jon Corzine applauded the organization “for being one of the most active Scottish societies in the United States and abroad. The activities of Clan Currie are extensive and its far reaching effects go a long way in promoting Scottish themes throughout New Jersey and the United States.” From the United Kingdom, Clan Currie also received praise from Sir Philip Thomas, British Consul-General for New York. “Heritage organizations like Clan Currie provide an excellent and unique link between Americans of Scots descent and their ancestral home.” Susan Stewart, First Secretary, Scottish Affairs at the British Embassy in Washington wrote, “I am greatly appreciative of the continuous efforts of the Society to establish new links and build on those that already exist between our two countries – (Clan Currie’s) work to promote the contemporary side of Scotland are recognised both here and in Scotland.”
When Whitman was governor, she appointed Society president Robert Currie chairman of the state’s Ethnic Advisory Council, of which he had earlier been appointed the Scottish-American representative by Governor Jim Florio. “Later I asked him to serve on the Ellis Island Advisory Commission to help guide that extraordinary place that was the beginning of an incredible journey of so many Americans,” she said before introducing the Reagan tribute. “He’s been an outstanding leader and a credit to New Jersey.” Though it was her first time attending the Pipes of Christmas, Whitman said she was aware of the Society’s signature event. “I think it’s incredible, it’s terrific,” she said. “It’s professional. It has wonderful attendance. I’m impressed that they’re able to do this, but I always have been. They’ve been able to do this for quite a while.” Special Dedication While the musical tribute of the evening honored President Reagan, the entire concert series was dedicated to the memory of longtime friend and Society member, Andy Emerson who passed away this year. Perhaps more than anyone, Emerson's contributions have pumped through the heart of the Society. He sang at Clan Currie’s first Kirking of the Tartans ceremony more than a decade ago. He manned the clan tent at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina at a moment's notice and delivered the Immortal Memory at the Society’s Burns Supper in 2002. Like other Society members, Andy was not a Currie by blood or marriage. While a proud member and bard to his own clan – Clan Galbraith - his spirit became entwined within the bardic heritage of the present day.
In addition to the loss of a longtime friend and volunteer, the sixth annual concert was more difficult to produce, after the series’ chief sponsor pulled out in September. “We lost a classic sponsor,” said Robert Currie, president of the Clan Currie Society, who is reaching out for further support for next year. “We have already stepped up our grant application efforts, seeking gifts from foundations and tax-deductible donations from our generous supporters.” The Society added a third show this year, once again selling out each performance of more than 400 tickets. At the matinee performance on Saturday, Currie publicly thanked three different families that purchased more than 20 tickets each. About The Clan Currie Society The Clan Currie Society, an international, non-profit cultural and educational organization, is active in preserving and promoting highland heritage at Scottish Games, ethnic festivals, as well as community groups and classrooms. The Society has over 2,000 members worldwide. The organization started as a family name society in Glasgow, Scotland in 1959 to further the knowledge and appreciation of the MacMhuirich bardic dynasty. The MacMhuirichs served for over 700 years as professional poets to the Lords of the Isles and later to the MacDonalds of Clanranald. The Red Book of Clanranald, one of Gaelic Scotland’s literary treasures, was penned by successive generations of the MacMhuirich family. Today, the organization is a leading American-based foundation that focuses on celebrating the Scots-Gaelic origins of the Currie name as well as producing outstanding programs and events to honor Scotland’s rich culture and ancestry. The Clan Currie Society also hosts the annual National Tartan Day celebration at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The Society also produces a number of highly successful concerts featuring Scottish music and Gaelic poetry readings. Clan Currie is now venturing into the field of documentary filmmaking with a concentration on Scottish themes.
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