[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 20, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF CESAR CHAVEZ, AN AMERICAN HERO

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of March, we approach 
the birthday of Cesar Chavez, a positive role model for the Latino 
community, a hero. Caesar Chavez touched the lives of millions with his 
nonviolent struggle for justice, education, and equality. He was a 
beacon of hope.
  But Cesar Chavez views the challenges he faced as a motivation to 
help farmworkers whose suffering he shared. In 1962, Caesar Chavez 
founded the National Farmworkers Association, the predecessor to the 
United Farmworkers of America.
  He organized farmworkers to campaign for fair working conditions, 
reasonable wages, and decent housing and health conditions. He 
sacrificed himself for human rights and for dignity. He left a legacy 
for each and every one of us, and for generations to come.
  He has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Martin Luther 
King, Jr., Peace Prize, and was nominated for the Nobel Prize.
  No one better symbolizes Latino empowerment than does Caesar Chavez. 
He is a symbol of hope, and we will never forget his words. The 
challenge of life, justice, and equality will ever ring in our lives: 
Si, se puede; yes, we can. We should honor his birthday by celebrating 
it, and I am hopeful we will pass that legislation.

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