Joe Baca: “Today I rise in recognition of a great civil activist, Cesar E. Chavez. This week, we celebrate the life of a man who…”

“Today I rise in recognition of a great civil activist, Cesar E. Chavez. This week, we celebrate the life of a man who symbolizes dignity and respect and who would have turned 85 years old on March 31. He was a farm laborer, a leader, a cofounder of the United Farm Workers, and a veteran. He brought social justice to migrant workers and communities, which included better pay, improving housing, outlawing the child labor law, and human dignity. He achieved all of this through the use of nonviolence. For over 10 years, I have worked to create a national holiday to commemorate Cesar Chavez. Please join me in celebrating the life of a great American hero by supporting my legislation, House Resolution 130, which designates the fourth Friday of every March as Cesar E. Chavez Day. Martin Luther King, Jr., once telegraphed Cesar Chavez with a message: ``Our separate struggles are really one--a struggle for freedom, for dignity, and for humanity.'' The legacy of Cesar Chavez will continue to inspire not only Latinos but people across our Nation who believe in the American Dream. ``Si, se puede''--yes, we can. ____________________”