[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 49 (Monday, March 31, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S2221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S2221]]
                      IN HONOR OF CESAR CHAVEZ DAY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in appreciation of the life and 
lasting legacy of civil rights activist and labor leader, Cesar Chavez.
  Cesar Chavez came from humble beginnings, born on March 31, 1927, in 
a small farm outside of Yuma, AZ. Through his experiences as a laborer 
and migrant worker in the fields of the southwest United States, he 
recognized a need for change; change that would bring social and 
economic equality to those who tilled America's soil and harvested 
America's crops. The exploitation and discrimination experienced and 
observed by Mr. Chavez energized his courageous fight for fair and 
equal treatment for his hardworking colleagues of all backgrounds.
  As a member of the U.S. Navy he served in the western Pacific during 
the end of World War II to protect the freedoms that he often did not 
enjoy. He demonstrated his dedication to two great values--community 
and compassion--by building a powerful coalition of grass roots 
organizations and inspiring individuals of all backgrounds to join a 
campaign for social equality.
  Cesar Chavez is not only an icon for Mexican-American communities 
across this great country, but also an American icon for all those who 
have felt the pain of injustice and for those who recognize the 
continuing need to allow equal access to the resources of our great 
Nation. His tireless efforts to help bring our country closer to its 
ideals of freedom and equality of opportunity shall be recognized today 
as they were when he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom. His legacy inspires hope, action, and prosperity for those who 
are often burdened by marginalization and discrimination. Our society 
owes gratitude to the indelible mark that Mr. Chavez has left on our 
Nation.
  I appreciate the Clark County Commission for commemorating the legacy 
of a giant in our Nation's labor movement by declaring March 31, 2008, 
as Cesar Chavez Day. I join the Commission, and many throughout Nevada, 
in honoring Mr. Chavez's visionary leadership. We must continue to 
recognize the value in Cesar Chavez's legacy, which has become a symbol 
of dignity and perseverance for all workers, whether in the fields, in 
the factories, or behind the counter.

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