[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND WORK OF CESAR E. CHAVEZ

  (Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's history 
is filled with heroes who, through personal sacrifice and a strong 
commitment to their cause, have left a mark upon society.
  Today, I am proud to honor the life and accomplishments of the late, 
talented union organizer and human rights advocate, Cesar E. Chavez.
  Born on March 31, 1927, to a farming family in Yuma, Arizona, Chavez 
learned early that life is filled with challenges, particularly for 
those who work the fruit and vegetable fields of this great country.
  Those fields nurtured Chavez's desire to create a farm workers union, 
which we know today as the UFW.
  Cesar Chavez brought dignity and respect to the farm workers and 
became an inspiration and a resource to other people engaged in human 
rights struggles throughout the world. From 1965 to the 1980s, Chavez 
worked tirelessly to increase wages as well as public awareness of the 
plight of migrant workers. Chavez defended the rights of farm workers 
until his death on April 23, 1993.
  Chavez's courage and perseverance continues to be a source of 
inspiration for me and many others dedicated to the interests of 
America's working families.
  Today, Chavez would have celebrated his 77th birthday. I am proud to 
celebrate his life and his work. May his spirit and dedication continue 
to be an inspiration to those engaged in human rights struggles 
throughout the world.

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