[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4638]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ'S BIRTHDAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Sires) for 2 minutes.
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in celebrating the 
life of Cesar Chavez. Eighty-one years ago, Cesar Chavez began his life 
on March 31 and he continues to serve as an inspiration to thousands.
  Cesar Chavez was a pioneer for civil rights and labor rights. He was 
a man that understood that in order to achieve change, sacrifices are 
necessary. Due to his hard work and dedication to his community, he 
successfully founded the United Farm Workers Union, the largest union 
protecting the rights of our country's many farm laborers. Currently, 
10 States officially honor the memory of Cesar Chavez by celebrating a 
holiday in his name. My colleague, Congressman Baca, has introduced 
legislation, H. Res. 76, to establish a national Cesar Chavez Day to 
honor this important man through volunteer projects, educational 
activities, and cultural celebrations, among other events. I thank 
Congressman Baca for introducing this legislation and for helping to 
bring Cesar's life and legacy to the Members of Congress and to our 
constituents throughout the country. He truly is a national hero.

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