MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of "Day of the Cowboy New Mexico" is to celebrate and bring awareness to the public, New Mexico's cowboy traditions, culture, and honor. It is to acknowledge the historical and present-day cowboy and cowgirl events of New Mexico, through arts, literature, education and celebrations in community activities throughout the great state of New Mexico.

"PRESERVE THE HERITAGE"

History of the "Cowboy Day"

Sponsored in the U.S. Senate in 2005 and 2006 by Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas, the National Day of the Cowboy is a day the Senate set aside for Americans to celebrate the contribution of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America's culture and heritage. Our goal is to see the National Day of the Cowboy proclaimed by governors of all fifty states.

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico proclaimed "Day of the Cowboy New Mexico" in 2008.

We have worked continuously to rally national support for the proclaimed "Cowboy" day, and to publicize news and information about the resolution and campaign, so that active participation in celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy continues to grow each year, and so future generations remain aware of the Cowboy's contribution to America's rich Western heritage.

In the words of the President of the United States, "We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy's love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans."

Lincoln County New Mexico was the first county in the United States to proclaim National Day of the Cowboy and Day of the Cowboy New Mexico in 2006.

Jack Wilmeth: The Man Behind The Logo

Jack was born Andrew Jackson Wilmeth on April 30, 1910 in Floydada, Texas. His bronc riding started at a young age when his dad would have a bronc ready for him to ride when he got home from school. He left home at the age of sixteen to work on the Matador Ranch of Texas. This was the beginning of his life of ranch work. In between, he was on the rodeo circuit for several years where he picked up the nickname of "Smilin' Jack" because he always rode with a big smile on his face. He also performed for two years in Texas Slim's Wild West Show riding broncs and bulls. At a rodeo in Hondo, New Mexico, he had ridden his bull and while watching the other riders, he ran out to help a cowboy who had been thrown off his bull. To his surprise, the cowboy turned out to be a girl, Reda Fay McKnight. He later married Reda and they raised a family.

Jack worked on ranches from Texas to California and was always in the horse and cattle business in one way or another. In September of 1948, he was on a cattle buying trip in Colorado with another buyer, Jack Brown, when they were in a tragic car accident. Jack Brown was killed and Jack , himself, was not expected to live either. If he did, they thought he'd never walk again. Among other numerous injuries, both legs were broken. After three months in the hospital and several surgeries, he was released. At home, he started his own therapy program. Through will-power and guts he was able to walk again and lived another thirty-two years.

Jack had a lot of determination and lived his life to the fullest, and was able to do what he loved. He was a cowboy!

In Appreciation

I Owe Thanks:

To My Dad - Jack Wilmeth, for making that beautiful ride!

To the photographer, whomever he or she was for taking the picture!

To God, for leading me to Zane Mead!

To Zane, a fine artist; generous and talented, for his artwork, ideas and friendship!

To My Mother, for leaving me with a small part of her talent to sell!

To Janis Rowe, for being a tremendous help in so many ways!

And to my Family and Friends, who have been so supportive!

Many thanks to you all. For you are each a link of the chain. Without even one of you, the Day of the Cowboy New Mexico, as I know it, would not be possible.

With sincere gratitude, Louise (Wilmeth) Tillman