[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 142--DESIGNATING JULY 25, 2009, AS ``NATIONAL DAY OF 
                         THE AMERICAN COWBOY''

  Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Baucus, Mr. 
Coburn, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Reid) submitted 
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 142

       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 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 many thousands of ranchers across 
     the Nation who 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 
     cowboys 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.

  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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