The Significance of Dates - Such as 25th January

Nowadays many newspapers and magazines seem to use a date (in newspapers usually the day of issue) to check upon the birth of people or famous/notorious incidents the rest of the world might have come across in some way.

I look at today's date and ask myself - off the cuff - is this a date that is to me significant in any way?

The answer is - nope.

That said, I'm sure that to someone out there it is noteworthy: maybe a birthday, death, marriage anniversary - regarding themselves or a loved one.

The one thing I hope not to read about is that this was the ... of someone who was a proved notorious killer, gangster, fraudster etc. This sort should be kept off the page.

There is, of course, a need to reopen cases where serious errors have been made with prosecutions, wrongful arrests followed by penal servitude.

This is where newspapers and the press in general are useful, if their self-proclaimed boasts are followed: - of serving the public, finding the truth, upholding the basis of a free society etc. etc.

Having said all that in 3 days time, 25th January, I will raise my glass and toast the immortal memory of ROBERT BURNS one of the most celebrated men who has ever lived.

Robert Burns (25 January 1759-21st July 1796)

Once more I will ask myself why I do this; why has his fame lived on; why has it even increased as the years roll by?

Is it because the more the world hears about him and takes on board his messages, the more wonderful his insights appear?

Perhaps he has just had a 'good press' - though given the prejudice of the time against a poor farm worker - and not one of the London cognoscenti I would disagree.

Many countries have individuals in their histories that have been equally great poets, have been more heroic, have said great things that should be memorised and lived up to.

Nevertheless, "A Man's a man for a' that" will be sung in countless countries, cities, towns and villages around the globe.

"Auld Lang Syne" will echo from the rafters at the end of numerous gatherings.

It has become almost a moment in itself for world peace.

The IMMORTAL MEMORY will be given with heart-felt fervour by nervous orators around the world. They must not get this wrong, because here was a man who never denied his faults - and there were many - who could use irony and satire to spike arrogance, hypocrisy and superstition.

But he also set out to inspire love: for mankind, of all flora and fauna, to uphold the principles of justice for all, mercy, clemency and forgiveness - to care for our neighbour.

And that is just a start.