[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO CESAR CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 31, 2004

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an individual 
of great significance to the history of our country. He provided a 
voice for those that could not be heard and hope for those that no 
longer believed.
  Above all, Cesar Chavez was a man who fought for those that could not 
fight for themselves. Through his nonviolent struggle for economic and 
social equality, Cesar touched the lives of millions of people and 
inspired a generosity of spirit and love for our fellow man.
  Born of a Mexican immigrant, Cesar Chavez grew up working with 
migrant farm workers, toiling in the fields while receiving below 
average wages.
  His firsthand knowledge of the plight of the farm worker helped shape 
Cesar's beliefs and led him to become an advocate for the migrant 
working community.
  He committed himself to organizing these workers to campaign for safe 
and fair working conditions, reasonable wages, decent housing, and 
outlawing child labor.
  As the founder of the National Farm Workers Association, he provided 
hope that farm workers may one day realize the basic protections and 
rights deserved by all Americans.
  His influence, however, extends far beyond agriculture.
  He organized voter registration drives in urban areas, initiated 
complaints against mistreatment by police and welfare officials, and 
empowered workers to seek advancement in education and politics.
  To gain national attention to the growing civil rights movement, 
Cesar frequently staged non-violent strikes, boycotts, and pickets.
  He also used fasting as a way to peacefully protest without resorting 
to the violence that existed throughout our society.
  However, many in his community refused to accept his notion of 
equality and resorted to killing and beating of many of his workers.
  Yet through it all, Cesar never wavered in his commitment to La 
Causa.
  He was a dedicated champion of equal rights; not just for farm 
workers, but for all Americans.
  This was recognized in 1994 when he became only the second Mexican-
American to be honored with the highest civilian award in the United 
States: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  This is why I stand here today on his birthday. I have previously 
introduced a resolution urging Congress and the President to declare 
this day a national holiday to honor this great Latino visionary.
  But today, I want to further honor this great leader by introducing a 
bill that awards him the Congressional Gold Medal.
  With faith, discipline, and soft-spoken humility, Cesar Chavez led a 
very courageous life.
  His tremendous passion and resolve to fight for civil rights was an 
exhibition in selflessness and love.
  By awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal, we are saying that we 
understand these sacrifices that Cesar Chavez made for our country.
  He has left an enormous legacy that has provided hope for the 
hopeless, inspiration for the uninspired, and the prospect of a better 
life for all.
  For those of us that have ever lost faith, Cesar Chavez teaches us 
never to give up.
  With hard work and the belief that all men and women are indeed 
created equal, we can aspire to greater things.
  I urge all my colleagues to honor Cesar Chavez and his legacy, not 
only on this day, but every day.
  His inspirational words will always ring true: Si, se puede! Yes, we 
can!

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