[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 40 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN REMEMBRANCE OF CESAR E. CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2006

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Cesar 
Estrada Chavez. Seventy-nine years ago one of the greatest civil rights 
leaders of our time was born near Yuma, Arizona. A man that embodied 
the strength to fight for civil rights, Cesar Chavez dedicated his life 
to the liberty and justice of farm workers across America.
  Mr. Chavez dedicated his life to teaching others that persistence, 
hard work, faith, and willingness to sacrifice one's self breaks down 
barriers. He committed himself to achieving justice and equality for 
all farm workers and paved the way for momentous social change.
  Mr. Chavez began early in his life dealing with injustice and 
inequality; his family was forced off their land and subjected to 
working in fields all over California. He attended 37 schools, never 
succeeding past the eighth grade. Despite his tribulations, he was able 
to instill his passion for education in the hearts of all that he 
touched. Mr. Chavez taught that the love for justice is inherent in 
each and every one of us and that it is the most amazing and true part 
of being human.
  In 1962, Mr. Chavez put his beliefs into action and formed what is 
known today as the United Farm Workers. His efforts initiated one of 
the greatest social movements of our time; fighting for safe and fair 
working conditions, reasonable wages, decent housing and the outlaw of 
child labor for farm workers everywhere.
  Mr. Chavez embraced nonviolent tactics to help focus national 
attention on the problems that existed for farm workers. The non-
violent tactics Mr. Chavez utilized included fasting, marching, 
rallying, picketing and boycotting. The vast attention that was drawn 
to the plight of the farm workers educated America of the great pain 
and exploitation the farm workers endured to produce food for millions 
of American families.
  Mr. Chavez was said to have given his last ounce of strength 
defending the farm workers before he died in his sleep on April 23, 
1993.
  Cesar E. Chavez is honored throughout America for his tireless work 
to help those that could not help themselves. In my hometown of 
Houston, every year we celebrate the life and times of Mr. Cesar E. 
Chavez by holding a Hispanic Pride parade. An event sponsored by the 
community and an event to bring us together and celebrate as one.
  We honor him today in life and in death for his leadership, his 
vision, his bravery, and his unselfish commitment to the principles of 
social justice and respect for human dignity. He will forever live on 
as an inspiration to those of us who seek to create a better world, and 
his legacy is one which serves to remind us that ``Together all things 
are possible.'' Si se puede!

                          ____________________