[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8126]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ

  (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 76, which would establish a national holiday in honor of Cesar 
Chavez.
  Cesar Chavez dedicated his life to teaching others that persistence, 
hard work, faith, and willingness to sacrifice oneself breaks down 
barriers. He committed himself to achieving justice and equality for 
all farm workers, and paved the way for momentous social change.
  In 1962, Cesar Chavez formed what is known as the United Farm 
Workers. His efforts initiated one of the greatest social movements of 
our time. He dedicated himself to fighting for safe working conditions, 
reasonable wages, decent housing and the outlawing of child labor for 
farm workers everywhere.
  Mr. Chavez embraced nonviolent tactics to help focus national 
attention on the problems that existed for farm workers. Mr. Chavez was 
said to have given his last ounce of strength defending the farm 
workers before he died in his sleep on April 23, 1993.
  Cesar Chavez is honored throughout America for his tireless work to 
help those who could not help themselves.
  In my hometown of Houston and my district every year we celebrate the 
life and times of Cesar Chavez by holding a Hispanic heritage parade 
and day of celebration. A national holiday in honor of Cesar Chavez 
would serve as an inspiration to those who seek to create a better 
world in the legacy of one who served to remind us that together all 
things are possible; in Spanish, ``si se puede.''

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