WHEREAS, with the discovery of gold in the West in 1848 and the increasing political tensions of the 1850’s, it became imperative to keep California aligned with the Union; and

WHEREAS, the need for a faster and more dependable source of information for the northeastern states was met with the establishment of a mail delivery system known as the Pony Express; and

WHEREAS, although in operation for only 18 months in 1860 and 1861, this amazing venture bound the ragged edges of a rising nation and stands in history as a monumental example of the vision, courage and character of the men and women who built the West; and

WHEREAS, the route of the Pony Express runs through portions of eight states, and in Nevada it roughly parallels U. S. Highway 50 across the width of the State, the surrounding area of which has been dubbed “Pony Express Territory” by the Commission on Tourism; and

WHEREAS, in June of each year, members of the National Pony Express Association keep the story and spirit of the Pony Express alive by reenacting the famous ride of almost 2,000 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California in 10 days; and

WHEREAS, The Nevada Division of The National Pony Express Association has erected a historical marker consisting of a silhouette depicting a Pony Express rider and horse along U. S. Highway 50 just east of Carson City as a testament to the dedication of the riders of yesterday and today;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim June 17, 2008, as