[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5941]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF CESAR E. CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 31, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the birthday of Cesar E. Chavez. Cesar Chavez, an icon in the 
Latino community and beyond, would have been 77 today.
  Cesar Chavez was born near Yuma, Arizona, and grew up in migrant 
labor camps, into the poverty of a migrant worker's life. He became a 
historical figure who embodied humility and extraordinary strength in 
his peaceful struggle towards social justice. He dedicated his life to 
tirelessly championing the rights of farm laborers and along with 
Dolores Huerta, founded the United Farm Workers union, fighting for 
better wages, conditions and respect for farmworkers.
  I have introduced the Cesar E. Chavez Lands Legacy Act (H.R. 1034) to 
ensure that Americans can fully understand his life, vision, and impact 
on improving the lives of millions of Americans. I hope that his legacy 
and memory will someday become a fundamental piece of American history 
so that all Americans will understand the fight that Cesar Chavez began 
in the fields, a fight for social justice, civil rights, and human 
rights that continues today. Thanks to this fight, the Latino 
community, including myself, has been able to enjoy certain benefits 
and privileges that otherwise might not have been possible.

                          ____________________