Speaker. I join my colleagues today In paying tribute to Cesar Chavez. one of the truly great Americans of this century. Cesar Chavez was the son of migrant workers and a farm laborer himself. His struggle for economic and social justice touched the conscience of a Nation and the lives of millions of MexicanAmericans. Cesar Chavez founded the United Farm Workers of America In the mid1960s. which he faithfully led until his untimely death on April 23.1993. Armed only with his conviction In the righteousness of his cause and commitment to better the lot of his fellow man. Cesar Chavez fought tirelessly to improve the working conditions of migrant workers across this land. Throughout his remarkable life. Cesar Chavez spoke the language of the downtrodden. the poor. and the disenfranchised. He raised to national prominence the plight of migrant workers. Chavez dedicated his life and committed his soul to Improving the lives and dignity of farm laborers. Chavez first made his mark In 1968. when he organized a strike and national boycott against the California grape growers of the San Joaquin Valley. where he brought the daily hardships and toil of migrant farm workers to the attention of America. Chavez organized migrant workers Into an effective and powerful labor union whose mission was to raise the substandard wage and working conditions of farm laborers across this Nation. Chavez firmly believed In the power and moral persuasion of nonviolent demonstrations. He believed In it to the point of risking his own health in a number of fasts. His faith in God and his faith In his fellow man never wavered throughout his struggle for social justice. Cesar Chavez gave selflessly of himself for a cause that both enriched and consumed his life. Cesar Chavez presevered over Insurmountable odds In making a difference in the lives of millions of migrant workers who have toiled in the agricultural fields of America. Chavez fought to end substandard wages and housing. pesticide poisoning. child abuse and discrimination. He was the unflagging champion of the dispossessed. Chavez earned the Nations admiration in his ceaseless struggle to obtain civil rights for farm laborers. Cesar Chavez passion and tireless commitment to improving the lives of Americans migrant farm workers made him a genuine hero and household name nationwide. Cesar Chavezs legacy will continue to enrich the lives of MexicanAmericans. will continue to give us pride and dignity. will continue to shine brightly as an inspirational beacon for future generations of Americans to follow.