[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
CELEBRATING THE DEDICATION OF OLD ALVARADO--CESAR CHAVEZ PARK IN UNION 
                                CITY, CA

                                 ______


                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 1994

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to join my constituents 
in the dedication of Old Alvarado--Cesar Chavez Park in Union City, CA.
  Shortly after the death of Cesar Chavez, leaders within this 
community quickly mobilized to pay tribute to this great human rights 
leader. Last year, the labor council for Latin American Advancement of 
Alameda County proposed to the Union City Council to rename Alvarado 
Park as Old Alvarado--Cesar Chavez Park, so that we could continuously 
remember the spirit of Chavez. The renaming of the park was not solely 
supported by the labor and city councils; the culturally rich community 
of Union City shared a universal appreciation for the life of Cesar. 
They recognized Chavez' efforts on behalf of all the lives he changed--
not just the farm workers he represented through the Union Farm Workers 
of America, but all who fought the daily struggle or suffered from any 
social hardship or injustice.
  With their tribute, Union City shares its recognition with friends 
like the late Senator Robert Kennedy who praised Chavez back in 1968 as 
``one of the heroic figures of our times.'' It is also appropriate that 
Union City is one of the first to honor his life, because it is a 
community that reflects the message that Chavez espoused. Cesar once 
described his work with farm laborers as an effort to raise their 
consciousness and create brotherhood through nonviolent means: This is 
a decree whole-heartedly embraced by this culturally rich community. It 
has always been a home to working people from all walks of life.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I come before you today celebrating with my 
constituents the memory of Cesar Chavez. I hope you and my colleagues 
will also join me in congratulating the community of Union City for 
their tribute to this great American.

                          ____________________