A New Year’s Eve tradition was popularized on this day – December 31, 1929 – when band leader, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight in the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.  “Auld Lang Syne” is a poem written by Scotsman Robert Burns – set to a very old tune – played and sung on New Year’s Eve and also when appropriate to remember and honor old friends and past times. Many use this lyrical tribute as a toast.  Loosely translated it means “days gone by” or “old times”.  Here’s an “English” translation of the Burns poem:

“Auld Lang Syne” 

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

More here at wikipedia.

A Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year my friends – but always remembering “auld lang syne.”