Enzi, Barrasso carry tradition forward in late senator’s name

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., today introduced a resolution honoring the late Senator Craig Thomas and cowboys all over the nation. The resolution designates Saturday, July 25, 2009 as “National Day of the American Cowboy.”

Thomas – a cowboy himself – honored the heritage of his home state and the West by sponsoring a resolution to name the fourth Saturday in July “National Day of the American Cowboy,” which coincides each year with Cheyenne Frontier Days.  Since the passing of Senator Thomas in 2007, Enzi is continuing the tradition to honor his legacy.             

“The cowboy is an American icon and Craig Thomas was one of them. I proudly continue to honor his legacy by introducing this resolution to also honor cowboys and their impact on our culture. Cowboy values and their way of life run deep, particularly in our state – just like the legacy that Craig left us,” said Enzi.  

“The National Day of the American Cowboy celebrates one of Wyoming’s greatest icons. Wyoming’s cowgirls and cowboys embody the values that Americans hold dear: integrity, a strong work ethic, family values, patriotism, and good stewardship of the land and its creatures. They continue to be the backbone of the American West and exemplify everything that is good about our nation. I am pleased to join Senator Enzi in honoring America’s cowgirls and cowboys,” said Barrasso.  

A copy of the resolution and Enzi’s statement is included below.

                                                                                                                                    

Floor Statement of Michael B. Enzi

National Day of the Cowboy

May 12, 2009

 

Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I am proud to introduce a resolution today to designate Saturday, July 25, 2009 as “National Day of the American Cowboy.”  My late colleague, Senator Craig Thomas, began the tradition of honoring the men and women known as “Cowboys” five years ago when he introduced the first resolution to designate the fourth Saturday of July as National Day of the American Cowboy.  I’m proud to carry on Senator Thomas’s tradition.

The national day celebrates the history of Cowboys in America and recognizes the important work today’s Cowboys are doing in the United States.  The Cowboy Spirit is about honesty, integrity, courage, and patriotism, and Cowboys are models of strong character, sound family values, and good common sense. 

Cowboys were some of the first men and women to settle in the American West and they continue to make important contributions to our economy, Western culture and my home state of Wyoming today. This year’s resolution designates July 25, 2009 as the National Day of the American Cowboy.  I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the important role Cowboys play in our country.

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Designating July 25, 2009, as `National Day of the American Cowboy’.

Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as `cowboys’, helped establish the American West;

Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;

Whereas the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family values, and good common sense;

Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations;

Whereas the cowboy is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures, who lives off of the land and works to protect and enhance the environment;

Whereas cowboy traditions have been a part of American culture for generations;

Whereas the cowboy continues to be an important part of the economy through the work of approximately many thousands of ranchers across the nation that contribute to the economic well-being of every state;

Whereas millions of fans watch professional and working ranch rodeo events annually and rodeo is one of the most-watched sports in the Nation;

Whereas membership and participation in rodeo and other organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of a cowboy span every generation and transcend race and gender;

Whereas the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, and music and occupies a central place in the public imagination;

Whereas the cowboy is an American icon; and

Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and encouraged:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate–

(1) designates July 25, 2009, as `National Day of the American Cowboy’; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.