The Senate
passed a
bipartisan
resolution
last year
making
the annual
National
Day of the
American
Cowboy
(July 28,
2012) the last Saturday in July,
encouraging the people of the
United States “to observe the
day with appropriate activities
and ceremonies”. The American
Cowboy does have values and
humans thrive from the sense
of belonging. We’re tribal by
nature. To be a cowboy is to
represent American values like
the pursuit of freedom and
liberty and justice for all.
This was the second year
that LaGrange County Parks
and Recreation Department
paid tribute to the National
American Cowboy, held on July
28 at David Rogers Memorial
Park. The day was enjoyed by
pg 56 · The Hometown Treasure · September ‘12
participants competing in the
cowboy action “fastdraw” shoot
out, the nerf action shooting
gallery, there was also rope
lassoing, horseshoe pitching,
horseback riding, cowboy art
which included building cowboy
sticker scenes and decorating
your own cowboy neckerchief.
This is family oriented western
excitement, fun for all ages.
Events similar to these were
observed across the vast
national horizon and beyond;
at sunrise to sunset on this
very day.
Many events and activities
are already being “roped” up
for next year, which will be:
July 27, 2013, so mark your
time pieces. Saddle up your
horse and hit the trail to David
Rogers Memorial Park. More
information will be announced
as the time draws closer.
The Cowboy Day hosts were
Park Interpretive Naturalist,
Scott Beam and Advanced
Indiana Master Naturalist
David Lane. Cowboy Day was
sponsored by Shipshewana
Harness.
I would like to leave you
with this about the American
Cowboy and its Cowboy Code
and really what it means to be
an American Cowboy. This was
taken from the reading of Gene
Autry’s code.
1) The cowboy must never
shoot first, hit a smaller man, or
take unfair advantage.
2) He must never go back on
his word, or a trust confided in
him.
3) He must always tell the
truth.
4) He must be gentle with
children, the elderly, and
animals.
5) He must not advocate
or possess racial or religious
intolerant ideas.
6) He must help people in
distress.
7) He must be a good worker.
8) He must keep himself clean
in thought, speech, action, and
personal habits.
9) He must respect women,
parents, and his nation’s laws.
10) The cowboy is a patriot.