March 31, 2015

CÁRDENAS HONORS CÉSAR CHÁVEZ WITH CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION

CÁRDENAS HONORS CÉSAR CHÁVEZ WITH CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION

 

(Washington, DC) -- To recognize César Chávez, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley), a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, recently introduced a resolution recognizing the late labor leader in the United States House of Representatives. H.Res. 178 is a Congressional resolution honoring the life and activities of the laborer and organizer who organized migrant and farm laborers in the western United States.

“My father and mother came to this country with a grade school education, and my father worked hard in the fields to provide for our family,” said Cárdenas. “I know that César Estrada Chávez fought for my family and for millions of families in California and throughout our nation. Chávez fought for respect and human rights for all workers, regardless of how humble their job was. Access to the Amercan Dream for everyone was the dream of César Chávez and I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize that dream.”

Chávez is perhaps best known for founding the National Farm Workers Association, which became the United Farm Workers of America. In 1994, Chávez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2012, President Obama declared March 31st, Chávez’s birthday, as César Chávez Day and, later that year, directed the Secretary of the Interior to establish a César Chávez National Monument in Keene, Calif.

Cárdenas’ legislation recognizes the accomplishments and example set by Chávez, pledges to promote Chávez’s legacy, encourages the people of the United States to commemorate that legacy and honors Chávez’s famous rallying cry, “Sí se puede!” Spanish for “Yes, we can!”

 

 

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