National Day of the Cowboy Celebrations:
The Thomas Ranch has been behind the National Day of the Cowboy movement since its inception back in 2005. Each and every year we pass along the proclamations of this movement. We will be happy once it has finally become an Official American Holiday. We know it will. We as a community are strong. We are unstoppable as a Western Family. This year, 2008, is one of the most important years. You need to write each and everyone of your Congressman to ensure that they will support this.
On March 28, 2007, Wyoming’s US Senator Craig Thomas, again sponsored the National Day of the Cowboy resolution in the Senate. Now in its third year, the National Day recognizes cowboys and cowgirls as a significant part of our nation’s history. The resolution asks that Saturday, July 28, 2007 be proclaimed as the official day of recognition for the Cowboy.
Thomas stated in his press release, “The National Day of the American Cowboy has gained a tremendous following thanks to the work of nonprofit organizations, country music stars, and folks around the country who want to honor cowboys and cowgirls contributions to our nation’s history. “I’m pleased to continue efforts to recognize cowboys and cowgirls for their spirit, grit, and determination – particularly in Wyoming and the West.”
President Bush offered his support in 2005, 2006, and 2007 for the official Day. We are all praying that he supports it in 2008.
In a Presidential Message Thomas read at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the President said, “The cowboy is an American icon that holds a cherished place in our Nation’s history. Our past is filled with wonderful stories of cowboys who embodied the finest American values of daring, discipline, and patriotism.”
Senator Thomas drafted the legislation in early 2005 to recognize the first day. This legislation creates an official United States Day of Recognition for the cowboy and the cowgirl (“The Cowboy”), out of the feeling that The Cowboy’s courage, hard work and honesty, played an integral part in adding to the foundation on which America is built, and as such deserves to be honored and recognized. An effort was subsequently launched by the National Day of the Cowboy nonprofit organization, now headquartered in Cave Creek, Arizona, to build enough national support for the day that it may eventually be proclaimed in perpetuity.
A number of events for the public good, including through education, the arts, and community activities have been jump-started by the nonprofit, which also created a Cowboy flag designed to give the Cowboy a universally recognized symbol of honor.
The National Day of the Cowboy organization touts the day as one set aside by the United States Senate to pay homage to our Cowboy and Western heritage, as well as to honor working cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo athletes, western musicians, cowboy poets, western artists, ranchers, and all others who continue to contribute to the cowboy and western culture in America today.
We are all saddened at the passing of Sen. Thomas in June 2007. Watch for our tribute on Sen. Craig Thomas in the near future. Sen. Mike Enzi has committed to head up the 2008 campaign in the U.S. Senate.
Please America keep Pushing forward with this movement. There has been a split in the Ranks to who actually owns or is driving this movement. To us that is not important. The final outcome, the passing of this resolution is what is. Seeing this flag flying high, in each and every state, is what will become important.
We are backing this holiday and we hope each and every Rancher, Farmer, Cowboy, Redneck, Hillbilly out there will stand behind this. Read what
others have said.
Thanks to everyone,
The Thomas Ranch
