[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3431]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            THIRD ANNUAL CESAR CHAVEZ DAY-LAS VEGAS FESTIVAL

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the third annual 
Cesar Chavez Day-Las Vegas Festival. Since 2013, the Las Vegas City 
Council, the Cesar Chavez Committee, and Councilmember Bob Coffin have 
organized this community festival in Las Vegas to honor the lasting 
legacy of civil rights activist and labor leader, Cesar Chavez.
  Cesar Chavez led a courageous and humble life. He was born on March 
31, 1927, in a small farm outside of Yuma, AZ. His experiences as a 
laborer and migrant worker in the fields of the southwest United States 
encouraged his pilgrimage from Delano to Sacramento, CA. He brought 
attention to the workplace inequities experienced by those who tilled 
America's soil and harvested America's crops. Alongside Dolores Huerta, 
Larry Itliong, and United Farm Workers, Cesar Chavez fought tirelessly 
to raise salaries and improve the working conditions of farm workers. 
He organized migrant workers to raise awareness for the humane and fair 
treatment of all workers. Today Mr. Chavez's legacy inspires hope, 
action, and prosperity for those who are often burdened by 
marginalization and discrimination. His contributions will forever be 
embedded in the fabric of our country, and we owe gratitude to the 
indelible mark that Cesar Chavez has left on our Nation.
  Cesar Chavez dedicated his time to a life of purpose in bringing 
social justice and dignity to the workplace. As we commemorate his 
meaningful work and contributions, it is vital that we continue his 
legacy by fighting for higher wages, worker rights, and the fair 
treatment of all workers. I commend the Las Vegas City Council, the 
Cesar Chavez Committee, and Councilmember Bob Coffin for commemorating 
Cesar Chavez, and I join in honoring Mr. Chavez's visionary leadership.

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