[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 96 (Thursday, July 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 IN HONOR OF A FILIPINO-AMERICAN WHO STRUGGLED FOR THE UNIONIZATION OF 
                              FARM WORKERS

                                 ______


                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 1994

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
honor the life of Philip Vera Cruz, a founding member of the United 
Farm Workers. With his death on June 10, 1994, Vera Cruz left behind a 
legacy of commitment and dedication to social justice.
  Vera Cruz immigrated to the United States in 1926 from the 
Philippines with ambitions for a higher education and a career as a 
lawyer. He sacrificed those ambitions and chose to dedicate himself to 
supporting his family by working in the fields on the Pacific Coast.
  In 1965, Vera Cruz joined the Agricultural Organizing Committee of 
the AFL-CIO and led a successful Filipino sit-down strike in the 
Coachella vineyards. Later that same year he joined forces with Cesar 
Chavez to form the United Farm Workers [UFW].
  Vera Cruz held the position of vice president in the UFW and was the 
highest ranking Filipino officer. Upon his retirement from the UFW, 
Vera Cruz moved to Bakersfield and lectured frequently to college 
students on labor and social issues.
  I wish to extend my sympathy to the Vera Cruz family. The spirit of 
Philip Vera Cruz lives on in the work of grassroots organizers all 
across the country. We are eternally grateful for his efforts.

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