[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1621]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 371--DESIGNATING JULY 22, 2006 AS ``NATIONAL DAY OF 
                         THE AMERICAN COWBOY''

  Mr. THOMAS (for himself, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Burns, Mr. 
Allard, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Reid, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Salazar, 
Mr. Baucus, Mr. Craig, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Allen, and Mr. 
Ensign) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 371

       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 
     the culture and economy of the United States;
       Whereas approximately 800,000 ranchers are conducting 
     business in all 50 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 the United 
     States;
       Whereas membership in rodeo and other organizations 
     encompassing the livelihood of a cowboy transcends race and 
     sex and spans every generation;
       Whereas the cowboy is an American icon;
       Whereas to recognize the American cowboy is to acknowledge 
     the ongoing commitment of the United States 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 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 22, 2006, as ``National Day of the American Cowboy.''
  The cowboy has influenced American culture in literature, music, art, 
fashion, theater, and sport. What's more, these folks contribute 
substantially to the economic well-being of our country. In 2005 alone, 
United States cash receipts from the sale of cattle and calves exceeded 
$48 billion, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all livestock sales 
and nearly half of all farm receipts. Clearly, the cowboy is not merely 
a romantic figure, but an integral part of our Nation's economy.
  As many Americans know, last year's celebration was a great success. 
The first observance of the National Day of the American Cowboy was 
commemorated across the country with various festivities and events. In 
Wyoming, the day fell within Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's 
largest outdoor rodeos and our State's premier cowboy competition.
  Cheyenne Frontier Days can be traced as far back as 1896 when a group 
of cowboys from the Two Bar Ranch put on an impromptu cowboy contest in 
Cheyenne. Frontier Days has come a long way since that time, 
incorporating Indian war dances, artillery drills, a full carnival, 
rowdy street dances, country and western entertainers, and renown 
musical performances. However, Frontier Days stays true to its roots, 
showcasing cowboys and cowgirls in sports such as saddle bronc riding, 
wild horse racing, bull dogging, steer wrestling, calf roping, and 
bareback riding, events which truly demonstrate their cowboy skills.
  While in Wyoming for the 2005 Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration, I 
had the distinct honor of delivering a statement from President Bush 
supporting the National Day of the American Cowboy. His statement 
outlined the importance of the cowboy, ``as a symbol of the grand 
history of the American West,'' and recognized the Cowboy's love of 
land and country as character traits which should be revered by all 
Americans. I could not agree more.
  Although the National Day of the American Cowboy came and went in 
2005, the celebration has continued throughout the United States and 
across the world. For example, Arizona's Governor recently issued an 
official proclamation declaring July 22, 2006 as the Second Annual 
National Day of the Cowboy in Arizona. T.J. Casey, a country musician 
and cowboy poet from Montana, is helping to promote the National Day of 
the Cowboy by carrying his flag on tour with him, and Pro Rodeo Hall of 
Fame Executive Director Larry McCormack and his staff are planning a 
National Day of the Cowboy flag presentation during their upcoming 
annual induction ceremony on July 15, 2006.
  Support for the National Day of the American Cowboy is not confined 
to our Nation's borders. The Desert Cowboys, a group of men and women 
in the United States Military and Department of Defense civilians who 
have been serving our country in Iraq since December of 2005, planted 
their National Day of the Cowboy flag prominently in their camp shortly 
after their arrival. Some of these folks are in Iraq for their, third, 
fourth and even fifth rotations. This touching display of support by 
those completing dangerous missions so far from home certainly tugs at 
my heart strings. It also serves to illustrate how important this day 
is to the American people and those who support American ideals.
  I call on the Senate to once again recognize our country's cowboys 
and cowgirls and their significant contributions through designation of 
the second annual National Day of the American Cowboy.

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