Posted on 06/10/2005 6:10:51 AM PDT by Theodore R.
life's work in bronze A bronze calf was unveiled to honor Clifford Hansen
By Ilene Olson rep3@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
CHEYENNE - A bronze calf dedicated Thursday to Clifford Hansen, former Wyoming senator and governor, recognizes his contributions to the state and to agriculture.
"I think it's very appropriate," Hansen said after the unveiling on the Capitol lawn.
Hansen, who served as governor from 1963-67 and as U.S. senator from 1967-78, owned and operated a cattle ranch in Teton County. Prior to his political career, he was a member and president of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees and the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. He also was a member of the American National Cattlemen's Association and the Livestock Research and Advisory Committee.
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association commissioned the statue from artist Jerry Palen in Hansen's honor. Before the unveiling, Jim Magagna, executive vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, said Hansen, 92, is the oldest living former senator in the country. Hansen and his wife, Martha, will celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary in September.
Ron Micheli, association vice president for region IV in western Wyoming, said it was fitting to honor Hansen during the annual Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention, being held through Saturday in Cheyenne. The theme for the convention is "Footsteps Over Time," he said.
"The footsteps he has left in the state surpass anything we can ever keep up with," Micheli added.
Association President Philip Ellis said the dedication was the signal event for the convention.
"There is no greater hero or (association) president than Cliff Hansen," he said.
Gov. Dave Freudenthal said the calf statue was a remarkably appropriate tribute to Hansen.
"It's full of that sort of Wyoming zest for life" that Hansen's service to the state and agriculture embodied, he said.
"If we can just maintain that energy and build on the past you've given us, this is going to be a great state," Freudenthal said.
Hansen's is a job well done, but not quite done, Freudenthal added.
"We still need to call on you in the future for advice," he said.
Hansen said agriculture has helped preserve open spaces in Wyoming. He urged the state to consider following Pennsylvania's example to continue that heritage.
Pennsylvania removed the inheritance tax for family members who inherit farms and ranches and choose not to subdivide the land. If the land later is subdivided, the property owner must pay penalties to the state, he said.
During the ceremony, staff members read letters praising Hansen and his service from U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo., and U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and Craig Thomas, both R-Wyo.
Secretary of State Joe Meyer said Hansen had served as an example for him. When Meyer was hesitant to get involved in politics, Hansen told him, "Don't worry. Just start volunteering your time."
"Cliff Hansen is the epitome of listen to the facts . get the show on the road and get it done," he said. "You will be remembered forever, and we'd be damned fools if we didn't hold you up to every child in the state."
Association member Ron Hendry of Lysite noted that the Wyoming Stock Growers Association still has enough clout to put a bronze statue on the lawn of the state Capitol.
"It's quite an honor to be able to dedicate the calf to Cliff," Hendry said. "Cliff has deep roots in Wyoming, and it's not just in agriculture. As governor, he served the entire state proudly. As senator, he served the state and the nation well."
We can be thankful it wasn't a Golden Calf -- I shudder to think how many today would be praying to it.
Bronze calf, golden calf, I had not thought of the similarity.
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