Pelosi Statement on the Anniversary of Cesar Chavez's Birthday

Pelosi Statement on the Anniversary of Cesar Chavez's Birthday

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, the recipient of the 2003 Cesar Chavez Legacy Award from the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, today released the following statement in honor of the 79th anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birthday:

"Whether it was fighting for workers' rights or fair wages, for medical coverage or pension benefits, Cesar Chavez was one of America's greatest advocates for justice and equality. His birthday gives us an opportunity to not only remember his life, but to honor his legacy as well.

"He was a man with a vision of strength and compassion. He worked for an America that was prosperous for both American businesses and American workers. He believed in a nation that rewarded an honest day's labor with a living wage. He had faith in a system that allowed workers to stand up for their rights. Through persistence, determination, and sheer tenacity, he made many of these dreams a reality.

"Cesar Chavez said, ‘We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.' Today, as we remember his struggle, we recommit to his work so that all in our nation, whether they have been here for generations or just arrived to our shores, have the opportunity to realize the American dream.

"!Viva la causa¡"

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1484