[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 18629-18630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8128]



[[Page 18627]]

Vol. 76

Monday,

No. 64

April 4, 2011

Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8641--Cesar Chavez Day, 2011
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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 64 / Monday, April 4, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 18629]]

                Proclamation 8641 of March 30, 2011

                
Cesar Chavez Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation's story of progress is rich with profound 
                struggle and great sacrifice, marked by the selfless 
                acts and fearless leadership of remarkable Americans. A 
                true champion for justice, Cesar Chavez advocated for 
                and won many of the rights and benefits we now enjoy, 
                and his spirit lives on in the hands and hearts of 
                working women and men today. As we celebrate the 
                anniversary of his birth, we honor Cesar Chavez's 
                lasting victories for American workers and his noble 
                methods in achieving them.

                Raised in the fields of Arizona and California, Cesar 
                Chavez faced hardship and injustice from a young age. 
                At the time, farm workers toiled in the shadows of 
                society, vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Families 
                like Chavez's were impoverished; exposed to hazardous 
                working conditions and dangerous pesticides; and often 
                denied clean drinking water, toilets, and other basic 
                necessities.

                Cesar Chavez saw the need for change and made a 
                courageous choice to work to improve the lives of his 
                fellow farm workers. Through boycotts and fasts, he led 
                others on a path of nonviolence conceived in careful 
                study of the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and 
                Mahatma Gandhi, and in the powerful example of Martin 
                Luther King, Jr. He became a community organizer and 
                began his lifelong advocacy to protect and empower 
                people. With quiet leadership and a powerful voice, 
                Cesar founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with 
                Dolores Huerta, launching one of our Nation's most 
                inspiring social movements.

                Cesar Chavez's legacy provides lessons from which all 
                Americans can learn. One person can change the course 
                of a nation and improve the lives of countless 
                individuals. Cesar once said, ``Non-violence is not 
                inaction. . . . Non-violence is hard work. It is the 
                willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win.'' 
                From his inspiring accomplishments, we have learned 
                that social justice takes action, selflessness, and 
                commitment. As we face the challenges of our day, let 
                us do so with the hope and determination of Cesar 
                Chavez, echoing the words that were his rallying cry 
                and that continue to inspire so many today, 
                ``S[iacute], se puede'' -- ``Yes, we can.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim March 31 of each year 
                as Cesar Chavez Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                observe this day with appropriate service, community, 
                and educational programs to honor Cesar Chavez's 
                enduring legacy.

[[Page 18630]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-8128
Filed 4-1-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P