[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E686]]
                              CESAR CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2007

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, on the eightieth anniversary of Cesar 
Chavez' birth, it is appropriate to reflect on the impact his life and 
work has had on our Nation. As the founder of the United Farm Workers, 
Chavez was able to bring about great and positive change for many of 
the Nation's most vulnerable workers, notwithstanding the seemingly 
insurmountable obstacles confronting him. He was a remarkable man, who 
not only fought for the basic human rights of a too often neglected 
segment of our country, but he went on to inspire a whole new 
generation of activists who would later carry on his path-breaking 
work.
  Cesar Chavez understood the poverty and disenfranchisement of his 
fellow farm workers, having grown up working in the fields to support 
his own family. He fought for fair wages, medical coverage, pension 
benefits and humane living conditions for farm laborers around the 
country. And this legacy carries us forward today.
  During my time in the California State Senate I supported legislation 
to designate a State holiday in honor of this remarkable leader. 
California is currently one of only eight States in the Nation that 
officially celebrate Cesar Chavez' accomplishments with a holiday, and 
it has proven an excellent opportunity to educate adults and children 
about his important effect on social justice and civil rights. That is 
why I support the effort to create a national holiday to honor Cesar 
Chavez and share his achievements with the entire Nation.
  Cesar Chavez had a motto, si se puede (it can be done). This message 
continues to embody Chavez's legacy by inspiring Americans to demand 
social justice and civil rights. I call upon our community and our 
country to join me in honoring the contributions and services of a true 
American hero.

                          ____________________