SENATE RESOLUTION 85--DESIGNATING JULY 23, 2005, AND JULY 22, 2006, AS ``NATIONAL DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY'' -- (Senate - March 17, 2005)

[Page: S3067] GPO's PDF

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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.

COSPONSORS(12), ALPHABETICAL

Sen Allard, Wayne [CO] - 4/4/2005
Sen Allen, George [VA] - 4/12/2005
Sen Baucus, Max [MT] - 4/6/2005
Sen Burns, Conrad R. [MT] - 3/17/2005
Sen Craig, Larry E. [ID] - 4/4/2005
Sen Crapo, Mike [ID] - 3/17/2005
Sen Dorgan, Byron L. [ND] - 3/17/2005
Sen Enzi, Michael B. [WY] - 3/17/2005
Sen Inhofe, James M. [OK] - 3/17/2005
Sen Martinez, Mel [FL] - 4/6/2005
Sen Salazar, Ken [CO] - 3/17/2005
Sen Stevens, Ted [AK] - 4/6/2005

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