[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE LAUNCH OF U.S. NAVY SHIP ``CESAR E. CHAVEZ''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
commemorate the Christening and Launch of the United States Navy Ship 
Cesar E. Chavez. May 5, 2012, will mark a historical tribute to Chavez 
as the United States Navy christens a new dry cargo, ammunition ship in 
his honor in San Diego, California.
  For my colleagues who may not be familiar with the ship's namesake, 
let me explain who he is. Cesar Chavez has been a symbol of civil 
rights and fair treatment for workers both within the Latino community, 
and beyond. However, he was not only a labor leader; Cesar enlisted in 
the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country throughout the Western 
Pacific.
  Born in the southwest town of Yuma, Arizona on March 31, 1927, Chavez 
was a first generation American. Like many Mexican-Americans at that 
time, Cesar Chavez labored in the fields of California farms where he 
witnessed, firsthand, the injustices and severe conditions of farm 
worker life. From his experiences, Chavez founded the National Farm 
Workers Association; which later became the United Farm Workers of 
America. As a policy leader and advocate; Chavez impacted many lives 
with his commitment and dedication to the movement. Chavez empowered an 
entire generation and continues to inspire millions of Americans.
  Last year, I introduced House Resolution 404, which recognizes the 
service and sacrifice of Latino members of the Armed Forces as well as 
Latino veterans. I wish to remember these war heroes, including Cesar 
E. Chavez, and the stalwart and selfless service of all Latinos who 
served their country in the 70 years after the start of WWII.
  Today, we celebrate and pay tribute to Cesar Chavez, a man whom 
Senator Robert F. Kennedy described as ``one of the heroic figures of 
our time.'' Throughout this great nation; many parks, streets, schools 
and cultural centers have been named in his honor. In my district 
alone, there is Cesar Chavez Campesino Park and Cesar Chavez High 
School, both located in Santa Ana, California.
  Though not yet a federal holiday, California is proud to be one of 
only eight states to recognize March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day; A day 
dedicated to honoring a man of vision, a man that inspired hope and 
change, and a man whose enduring legacy will live on long past his 
years. Today, I applaud the United States Navy and their decision to 
commemorate Cesar Chavez's contributions to this great nation in such a 
prolific and appropriate display of the respect and recognition he 
deserves.

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