[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CESAR CHAVEZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Lee) for 2 minutes.
  Ms. LEE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  I rise this morning in strong support, first of all, of H. Res. 76, a 
resolution to create a national holiday in honor of a great human 
being, Cesar Chavez.
  Mr. Speaker, already nine States celebrate his life. I am proud that 
California was the first. The legacy that he left on the history of 
this Nation must be recognized. He made a difference, not only for 
Latinos, not only for migrant workers but for the poor and the working 
poor, and he also built a coalition of conscience across racial and 
economic boundaries, just as his cofounder, a great woman and a good 
friend, Dolores Huerta, has.
  I am reminded today of the political support that Cesar provided me 
during my first California campaign for the California legislature. He 
truly helped me make and win my first election and for that I am deeply 
grateful.
  I had the privilege to attend his funeral with Congressman Baca in 
Delano, California. As I marched behind his humble wooden casket, I was 
reminded of the fact that one person who stood for nonviolence can and 
could and did make a difference.
  The Martin Luther King Freedom Center in Oakland, California, studies 
the lives of great freedom fighters such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
and also Cesar Chavez. The young people of our country and especially 
in my district are getting to know this human being who really did live 
a life committed to justice and freedom for all. I urge my colleagues 
to join us in supporting this growing movement for a national holiday 
in honor and in memory of this great civil and human rights leader. He 
is such an important historical figure in our Nation.
  Si se puede, yes, we can create a country of liberty and justice for 
all. Cesar Chavez showed us how to do it. He showed us with his gentle 
and kind spirit. He showed us with his tough love. He showed us how to 
march. He showed us how to care about those, the least of these, who 
had no voice. And for that this country owes him a debt of gratitude 
and I can think of no other way than to honor him by passing H. Res. 
76.

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