[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING AND HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, on this, the 81st 
anniversary of his birth, I would like to join my colleagues in 
honoring Cesar Chavez, an individual that the late Senator Robert 
Kennedy called, ``one of the heroic figures of our time.'' I also join 
the call to pass H. Res. 76, establishing a national holiday in his 
honor. San Jose, the city I represent in this great House, became the 
hometown to Cesar and his family beginning in 1939, and since then our 
community has always had a special place in its heart for Chavez.
  A man of extraordinary accomplishments, Chavez continually called 
attention to the plight of those who, like him, had to struggle to 
attain their piece of the American dream. In remembering him today, we 
keep in mind those Americans working every day on farms in California, 
and around the country, to secure a better future for their family.
  An American who heeded his Nation's call to service in World War II, 
Chavez remained committed to making his country stronger by empowering 
the least powerful of its citizens. A tireless organizer, he inspired 
countless individuals to participate in the democratic processes that 
make this country great.
  As Americans, we do well to remember Cesar Chavez today. His calls 
for economic justice resonate in 2008 just as they did 50 years ago, 
and his early leadership on environmental issues serves as a reminder 
that we are all stewards of this land.
  Cesar Chavez was, without a doubt, a true American hero. As we honor 
his life and remember his many achievements, we in this great body must 
not forget the hard-working Americans he fought for. Though no longer 
with us, Cesar Chavez's work continues.

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