DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN

James “Jim” Henry Webb Jr.

It is a privilege to recognize Jim Webb for a lifetime of extraordinary service, leadership, and devotion to country. Graduating first in his class from Marine Corps Basic School, Jim served as a Platoon and Company Commander with the 5th Marines in Vietnam, where his courage under fire made him one of the most highly decorated Marines of the war. His government service includes Assistant Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy, and U.S. Senator from Virginia, where he wrote and passed the post-9/11 bill, the most important veterans legislation since World War II. A prolific writer, Jim is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and author of ten books, including Born Fighting, his acclaimed history of the Scots-Irish and their profound influence on America’s culture, politics, and democracy.

KINSMAN & KINSWOMAN

Alex & Irene Gonzalez

We are proud to honor Alex and his wife, Irene (posthumously), for the remarkable values of duty, family, and culture that defined their 63-year marriage. Following Alex’s Army service and a 30-year career supporting NATO military installations and Air Force installations around the world, Alex and Irene retired to Chicago to be near their son, Charlie, and his family. For over 20 years they supported Chicago Scots events and cultural programs to benefit the Scots charitable purpose at Caledonia Senior Living. We salute and thank Alex, and remember Irene, a proud Glaswegian who fully embraced and represented the best qualities of the Scots, whose influence continues to endure in the family they nurtured together.

SPECIAL GUEST AUCTIONEER: ALISDAIR NICHOL

Naming Rights for Robert Burns’ Quill

For more than a century, Robert Burns, Scotland’s beloved national poet, has stood watch over Chicago from his monument in Garfield Park. Now, as this historic landmark undergoes restoration, Chicago Scots is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the chance to etch your name on the Bard’s restored bronze quill and secure your permanent place in Scottish-American history.

At the Saint Andrew’s Day Gala, esteemed appraiser and auctioneer Alasdair Nichol, host of PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, will join us from New York City to auction the naming rights. The winning bidder will have their name permanently etched into the bronze quill before it is returned to Burns’ hand and will receive a commemorative replica—a lasting connection to the Bard and the Scottish heritage he represents.

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TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH CEILIDH

Duke of Perth Ceilidh Band

The Duke of Perth Ceilidh Band performs lively Scottish traditional music for dances and celebrations around Chicagoland. After years of playing together in Chicago’s Scottish music scene, the members of the band share a language of musical exploration and groove that energizes dancers and listeners alike. The Duke of Perth Ceilidh Band is the house band for Chicago Ceilidh’s quarterly dance at Sketchbook Brewing Skokie, and has also performed at The Chicago Highland Games, Nicht Wi’ Burns, and Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

The Duke of Perth Ceilidh Band is Richard MacDonald (accordion and caller), Andy McDonagh (guitar), Anna Perkins (fiddle), William Bice (fiddle), Michael Nicholsen (fiddle), and Dave Neuffer (whistle).