Arkansas Code
Chapter 5 - Holidays and Observances
§ 1-5-118. National Day of the Cowboy

(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) Pioneering men and women helped build the nation with their ranches and farms, and livestock and agriculture play a vital role in the economic well-being of Arkansas communities;
(2) The quintessential cowboy and cowgirl play a significant role in American culture, and embody integrity, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism, known as the “cowboy code”;
(3) The vaquero spirit of competition among ranch cowboys and cowgirls is reflected in rodeo events throughout the state that contribute to tourism and the economy;
(4) Many statewide organizations recognize and encourage young cowboys and cowgirls to be excellent stewards of the land and to preserve this foundation of American heritage;
(5) Arkansas is the birthplace of cowboy book and film icons, including:
(A) Charles Portis, who was born in El Dorado, educated at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and authored the cowboy novel “True Grit”;
(B) Maxwell Henry Aronson, who was born in Little Rock, became the actor “Bronco Billy” Anderson, and was the first cowboy superstar, starring in over three hundred (300) movies and paving the way for other famous cowboy actors; and
(C) Betty Jeanne Grayson, who was also born in Little Rock, became actress Gail Davis, and inspired young cowgirls as “Annie Oakley” in the 1950s television series of the same name; and

(6) Many states have declared an annual day to commemorate cowboys.

(b) The fourth Saturday in July shall be known as “National Day of the Cowboy” to commemorate America's cowboy heritage.
(c) National Day of the Cowboy is not a legal holiday but is a memorial day to be commemorated by the issuance of an appropriate proclamation by the Governor.

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