Cárdenas Introduces Resolution Honoring the Life of César Chávez
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) introduced a resolution honoring the legacy of the renowned civil rights and labor leader, César Chávez. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.
“As our nation responds to the national emergency caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, thousands of healthcare workers, emergency responders, and service employees are on the frontlines treating patients, keeping essential services running, and working to contain the virus,” said Congressman Cárdenas. These American heroes are putting their own health at risk to keep us safe. Those values of selflessness and service are what César Estrada Chávez lived by and fought for.
“My parents came to the United States of America with nothing but a grade school education. They came to this country because they heard of the promise of America. My father worked hard in the fields to provide for his 11 children. César Chávez spent his entire life fighting for people like my father and the millions of hardworking families in California and across our nation. Chávez fought for respect and human rights of all workers, regardless of how humble their job was. Making the American Dream in reach of all families was the dream of César Chávez and I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize that dream.”
Cesar Estrada Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, in Arizona to poor migrant farm workers. In 1962 Cesar Chavez co-founded the first successful farm workers union in the United States – 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, California.
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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