Wyoming Celebrates National Day of the American Cowboy

Few icons have been romanticized as much as the American cowboy, perhaps because we all admire and aspire to the qualities that instantly come to mind when we think about the individuals who built the west.  

The effort to recognize men and women who live the archetype is the focus of National Day of the American Cowboy and many states have celebrations, rodeo events, pageants and parades for the purpose of recalling western heritage. Wyoming celebrates the holiday during Cheyenne Frontier Days, but for this state, one day of respect and recognition simply isn’t enough.

Last year, “cowboy ethics” were adopted as an official state code to remind law makers and citizens of Wyoming’s western roots. The list is derived from a “Code of the West” given in the book Cowboy Ethics by James Owen.

1. Live each day with courage

2. Take pride in your work

3. Always finish what you start

4. Do what has to be done

5. Be tough, but fair

6. When you make a promise, keep it

7. Ride for the brand

8. Talk less and say more

9. Remember that some things aren't for sale

10. Know where to draw the line

The code is a symbolic gesture and was introduced as a bill by Senator Jim Anderson, R-Glenrock, after reading Owen’s book and seeing the associated video project. Both the act of incorporating the list into law and the code itself reflect Wyoming’s commitment to upholding these values every day.