Washington, D.C. - Amongst the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., took a moment to honor America’s cowboys and one cowboy in particular, Senator Craig Thomas.
The senators spoke on the Senate floor about the third annual "National Day of the American Cowboy" this Saturday, July 28. The day was championed and introduced by Senator Craig Thomas, who passed away on June 4.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise today to remember my dear friend and colleague, Senator Craig Thomas. Craig was a champion for Wyoming, the West and its values. Every year, for the last several years, Craig championed a resolution honoring the American Cowboy. A true cowboy in his own right, Craig sought to honor those who serve as stewards of the land, embody the courageous and daring spirit of the West, and uphold the values of freedom and responsibility that we all cherish.
I was proud to support my friend in this endeavor over the years to honor these great individuals. And today, I am pleased the President has also stated his support for the National Day of the American Cowboy. As cowboys, cowgirls, family and friends gather on July 28, 2007 to celebrate at Cheyenne Frontier Days and nationwide, I extend my best wishes to all.
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on S. Res. 130, a resolution designating July 28, 2007, as "National Day of the American Cowboy."
Mr. President, The Cowboy is the symbol of Wyoming. The Cowboy is our state’s icon, representing our history and way of life. Unlike many other places in America, where the Cowboy is revered as an image of the past, the Cowboy is still alive in Wyoming today. What’s more, you don’t have to go to a remote ranch to see cowboys and cowgirls. They shop in our grocery stores, teach kids, and run businesses. Everywhere you turn you see hats, boots and shirts that boast of the University of Wyoming Pokes or that say, "Wyoming Proud," or "Powder River, let ‘er buck!" But you don’t have to dress the part to be a true Cowboy. It’s the Cowboy spirit that each and every Wyomingite embodies that makes our state the land where the Cowboy lives on.
It is not only for this reason that the National Day of the American Cowboy holds a special place in Wyoming’s and my heart. As those in this body are well aware, this day of recognition came to be through the efforts of Senator Craig Thomas, the sponsor of S. Res 130, who passed away on June 4th of this year.
Senator Thomas was a dedicated public servant, a powerful leader, a straight shooter, a loyal family man and one of the most genuine cowboys I have ever met. He was an unwavering advocate for the Cowboy way, not only through his words and work in the U.S. Congress, but more so, through his actions. He chose to lead by example. Senator Thomas upheld an esteemed and enduring code of conduct, exercising such virtues as honesty, integrity, courage, family values, respect for others, good stewardship of the land and its creatures, a strong work ethic and patriotism. He was a beloved but humble role model, preferring his desk or the Senate floor to the spotlight. His passing makes the third annual National Day of the American Cowboy a particularly bittersweet day for many across the country.
This year, as our country celebrates the National Day of the American Cowboy, I ask that people give special recognition to the man that started it all, one of America’s greatest cowboys, Senator Craig Thomas.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
