The Third Annual National Day of the Cowboy will be Saturday, July 28th. Many events are planned around the country to honor the heritage of the American Cowboy. As we honor the cowboy we recognize our Western Heritage and those brave pioneers that built this great country. Without there courage, hard work and heroism there would be no United States of America. They worked tirelessly at even the most menial task always looking toward the future. Even in "modern" times we have had our legends that have led us down the right path as towering examples to young and old a like. Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Gene Autry, Jim Shoulders, Hopilong Casidy and Chris LeDouix. Today's cowboys continue the tradition such as Cody Custer, Rob Smetts, Billy Etbauer, Rope Myers, Bob Funk of Express Ranch, Allan Bach, Stan Smith, Royal Wade Kimes, Homer Joy, James Arness and well both list could go on forever. Todays modern cowboy and cowgirls seem to understand that no matter how big video games or TV shows are deep in everyone's heart is the dream of being a cowboy. Like it or not they are role models and they take the role seriously.
Not all cowboys are rodeo cowboys or entertainers. The greatest cowboy I ever knew was my dad, Cecil Myers. He was a cowboy that raised livestock, mostly cattle. He got up early and fed and watered them. Fixing fence was an on going chore. He cared about the animals and their well being just like the cowboys before him. He is gone but his cowboy hat hangs on my bedroom wall, a symbol of my favorite cowboy.
You can check out some of the special events and the history behind the National Day of the Cowboy at the American Cowboy website: http://www.cowboyday.com/happenings.php
