[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H2522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CESAR CHAVEZ

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, Cesar Chavez was a champion for the poor and 
underserved people in America. He did not care about politics, money, 
or votes; he cared about people and their children. He sacrificed so 
they may have a better life.
  Cesar gave Latinos in this country a voice. He touched the lives of 
millions with nonviolent struggle for justice, education, equality, and 
hope.
  His life is a testament to the notion that victory can be won without 
violent confrontation. He used boycotts, pickets, strikes, and fasts to 
achieve this goal. But he never raised his hand or encouraged his 
followers to raise their hands in anger or hate or violence. This is a 
lesson that the world should be reminded of right now.
  Cesar was committed so that he would be willing to sacrifice his own 
life so that violence was not used. He fasted many times. He proved 
that his commitment through his persistence, hard work, faith, and 
willingness to sacrifice for La Causa.
  The terrible suffering of the farm workers and their children by 
crushing farm workers' rights, the dangers of pesticides, the denial of 
fair and Federal elections, Cesar's fast was a heartfelt prayer for 
purification and strength for all of those who worked beside him in 
this movement. His words will always be true in our lives that say: Si, 
se puede.
  Yesterday was Cesar Chavez's birthday. This would be a great day to 
honor him in the Nation every year. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor 
H. Res. 112 calling for a National Cesar Chavez holiday.

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