Seventeen million Americans honored the grape boycott. and thousands joined his nonviolent struggle for justice in more active ways. through picket lines. civil disobedience. going to jail. and working as five dollar per week plus room and board volunteers. the same compensation that Cesar earned. My San Francisco District Director. Fred Ross Jr.. son of Cesars mentor. was one of these young people inspired by Cesar to join the cause and help migrant workers win the respect. dignity. and decent living conditions that they deserved. On August 8. 1994. Cesar posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. the highest honor in the United States.