WA Legislature Passes Resolution to Recognize National Day of the Cowboy

For most Western ranchers, the cowboy heritage a special place in our hearts. We know and understand the cowboy way and traditions and the importance it has in our way of life.

There is a grassroots movement to recognizes the Cowboy with a special day designated as the National Day of the Cowboy, which is held every year on the fourth Saturday in July. At first, the organization attempted to move it nationally and soon realized that introducing it state legislature by state legislature might be a good idea.

Our AgNetwork News Director Greg Martin was part of the impetus of getting the resolution passed through Olympia several weeks ago. Martin says he was asked by the organization’s executive director to get things moving in Washington.

Martin: “I wound up getting a hold of our local senator here in the Tri-Cities -- that is Senator Sharon Brown. And she just jumped on board and thought this was the most wonderful thing. We took it to the House as well. We had our local Representative Brad Klippert jump on board.”

The resolution was passed by both the House and Senate. Martin says it was rather unique and exciting to see the Senate floor filled with Cowboy hats in honor of the resolution.

Martin: “Hats are not allowed -- I mean you don’t wear a hat onto the floor or the senate. There is a sign outside that says, ‘Please remove your hat.’ But most of the senators actually wearing cowboy hats during the proceedings just to make a point. And it was just pretty awesome.”