It’s probably no surprise to any of you that know me, that my heroes have always been cowboys. I have lived the cowboy life of working the ranches and herding the cows, my attire of choice is a pair of Wranglers, cowboy boots and one of my cowboy hats. While I have only rarely had a job that involved livestock I have always felt connected to the cowboy way of life. I am very proud to have been a part of a movement to have the cowboy recognized on a national level by petitioning Congress to create a National Day Of The Cowboy...hence the following information.

It’s official! President George W. Bush recently signed into law that the 4th Saturday of July would be recognized now as “National Day Of The Cowboy.”  The first one was actually held this past July 23 and was announced at the opening of the Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of our nations largest and most widely recognized rodeos...part of why they call it the “Grandaddy of them all!”

During the opening ceremonies, Senator Craig Thomas from Wyoming told the crowd about this special day and then made the following comments about Cowboys.  I think this is the best description of a “real” cowboy that I’ve ever heard.  I have long held the belief that a cowboy isn’t a cowboy because of the clothes he wears or the job he has, and certainly not just because he rides in the rodeo.  Here is the description Senator Thomas gave:

“Our country looks to cowboys as role models because we admire their esteemed and enduring code of conduct. 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 life in a way most cannot help but admire.”

Bravo Senator! I couldn’t have said it better myself!

The National Day Of The Cowboy will be celebrated next year on July 22nd, 2006. Plan to attend a celebration near you and honor the cowboys in your life.