[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 85--DESIGNATING JULY 23, 2005, AND JULY 22, 2006, AS 
                ``NATIONAL DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY''

  Mr. THOMAS (for himself, Mr. Burns, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. 
Crapo, Mr. Salazar, and Mr. Enzi) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 85

       Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys, 
     helped establish the American West;
       Whereas that cowboy spirit continues to infuse this country 
     with its solid character, sound family values, and good 
     common sense;
       Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, 
     compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;
       Whereas the cowboy loves, lives off of, and depends on the 
     land and its creatures, and is an excellent steward, 
     protecting and enhancing the environment;
       Whereas the cowboy continues to play a significant role in 
     America's culture and economy;
       Whereas approximately 800,000 ranchers are conducting 
     business in all 50 of these United States and are 
     contributing to the economic well being of nearly every 
     county in the Nation;
       Whereas rodeo is the sixth most-watched sport in America;
       Whereas membership in rodeo and other organizations 
     surrounding the livelihood of a cowboy transcends race and 
     gender and spans every generation;
       Whereas the cowboy is an American icon;
       Whereas to recognize the American cowboy is to acknowledge 
     America's ongoing commitment to an esteemed and enduring code 
     of conduct; and
       Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys to their 
     communities should be recognized and encouraged: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates July 23, 2005, and July 22, 2006, 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.

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution 
designating July 23, 2005, and July 26, 2006, as ``National Day of the 
American Cowboy.''
  Although cowboys are typically characterized as young, single men, 
those of us who come from the West know that cowboys come in any age, 
race, marital status, and gender. One 19th-century definition described 
``cowboy'' as ``anybody with guts and a horse.'' I personally believe 
trying to define a cowboy is like trying to rope the wind, but you 
certainly recognize one when you see them.
  The Cowboy played a significant role in American history, 
specifically in establishing the American West. After the Civil War, 
there was an acute shortage of beef in the northern States. Western 
ranchers were burdened with an abundance of cattle and no railroads on 
which to ship them to market. Realizing the immense profit to be made, 
these cattlemen looked for the nearest railheads. Thus, began the era 
of the long cattle drive and the Cowboy.
  As a result of these drives, cow towns sprung up at cattle shipping 
points. These areas began to grow and thrive as western communities. 
Even after the cattle drive era passed, many cow towns remained solid 
business and farming communities. Many remain so to this day.
  The Cowboy continues to impact America through our economy and 
culture. Currently, there are approximately 800,000 ranchers conducting 
business in every State. These folks contribute to the economic well 
being of nearly every county in the Nation. Every 1 dollar in cattle 
sales generates about 5 dollars in additional U.S. business activity. 
Outside of business, cowboys also contribute significantly to 
humanitarian causes. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's 
activities alone raise millions of dollars for local and national 
charities each year.
  Culturally, Americans have always idolized cowboys and their way of 
life. Most of us have fond memories of playing cowboys and outlaws, 
hearing stories of Buffalo Bill Cody's famous Wild West Show, or 
watching cowboy icons such as Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry and 
John Wayne. Western publications, music, television shows, movies and 
sporting events remain as abundant and popular as ever. In fact, rodeo, 
a sport which developed from the skills cowboys needed in their daily 
routine, is the sixth most watched sport in America.
  Our country looks to cowboys as role models because we admire their 
esteemed and enduring code of conduct. Gene Autry's Cowboy Code does a 
nice job of illustrating the way a cowboy chooses to live. Cowboys are 
honest; they do not go back on their word. They have integrity and 
courage in the face of danger. Cowboys respect others, defend those who 
cannot defend themselves and hold their families dear. They are good 
stewards of the land and all its creatures, possess a strong work 
ethic, and are loyal to their country. The Cowboy lives his or her life 
in a way most cannot help but admire.
  In my State, you do not have to go to the movie theater or a rodeo to 
see a cowboy. You see them every day on the street, in the grocery 
store, or driving into town from their ranches. Many of the Wyoming 
cowboys you see today are decedents of the cowboys that braved the 
frontier before Wyoming was a State. Like those before them, these 
folks still enjoy Wyoming's open spaces, know the satisfying feeling at 
the end of a good, hard day at work, and appreciate a smile or tip of 
the hat from a friendly neighbor. These westerners feel at home in 
Wyoming because they know it was, is and always will be cowboy country.
  I know my State would not be the same without the contributions of 
cowboys, past and present, and I am sure many of my colleagues feel the 
same way. It is time for the American Cowboy to be recognized.

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