WASHINGTON, D.C. – The riveting cowboy ranch rodeo Saturday evening during fair demonstrated Platte County did it right, according to a resolution unanimously declared by the U.S. Senate recognizing July 27 as the Day of the American Cowboy.
The first declaration which started the tradition was introduced by Wyoming’s U.S. senator Craig Thomas in 2005. The National Day of the Cowboy organization states the recognition is a “necessary effort to permanently protect pioneer heritage and cowboy culture.”

Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., and their senate colleagues introduced the bipartisan resolution, coinciding with Cheyenne Frontier Days. The resolution is as follows:
Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as “cowboys”, helped to establish the American West; the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism; the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family values, and good common sense; the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations; the cowboy, who lives off the land and works to protect and enhance the environment, is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures; cowboy traditions have been a part of American culture for generations; the cowboy continues to be an important part of the economy through the work of many thousands of ranchers across the United States who contribute to the economic well-being of every State; millions of fans watch professional and working ranch rodeo events annually, making rodeo one of the most-watched sports in the United States; membership and participation in rodeo and other organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of cowboys span every generation and transcend race and gender; the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, and music, and occupies a central place in the public imagination; the cowboy is an American icon; and the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and encouraged: now therefore be it resolved the U.S. Senate designates July 27, 2024 as “National Day of the American Cowboy”, and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
“The American cowboy has been a well-known and longstanding symbol of honesty, grit and determination across the country,” Senator Lummis said in a press release last week. “On [this day] we celebrate the significant impact cowboys and cowgirls have had on our nation by honoring the enduring traditions the Cowboy State continues to hold so dear.”
“In Wyoming, we live each day by the Cowboy Code. We honor a life of honesty, hard work, and integrity. The American cowboy symbolizes the spirit, values and traditions the people of Wyoming cherish most. Each year, I look forward to celebrating this special day with our American cowboys and cowgirls in Wyoming,” Barrasso said.