[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17677]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
American Cowboy. This distinguished body saw fit to designate July 26 
as the Day of the American Cowboy. I cosponsored this resolution and 
would like to take this opportunity to recognize this iconic figure.
  Around the globe, the American Wild West is known. To many it means 
cowboys, ranchers, cattle, horses, outlaws, and gunfights. But it was 
also homesteading and pioneering. These folks helped establish the 
American West, expanding our territories while creating a lasting 
culture and way of life, passing down the traditions of honesty, 
integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and 
patriotism from generation to generation. The cowboy spirit is the 
backbone of our great Nation, exemplifying strength of character, sound 
family values, and good old-fashioned common sense.
  The enduring lessons and virtues of the American cowboy are as 
prevalent as ever in towns all across America. As a young boy growing 
up in northern Colorado, agriculture and livestock were an integral 
part of everyday life. Coming from a community where I saw the strong 
moral character and drive to succeed that modern ranchers exhibit, I 
can speak to how vibrant the cowboy spirit still is today in America's 
heartland.
  In many ways, it is the unexpected places where you find the 
influence of cowboys that amaze us and show the true breadth of their 
impact. Originally known for their tough and rugged way of life on the 
Great Plains, the American cowboy has a magnetism that has drawn some 
of this Nation's most talented writers, architects, artists, and poets 
to devote their work to the tradition of the cowboy.
  I am pleased to be a part of continuing this tradition with the 
designation of July 26 as the Day of the American Cowboy and hope we 
will honor the legend of these American heroes with our continued 
steadfast, hard work and dedication to this great country.

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