Reid Commemorates Cesar Chavez Day

Statement

Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today commemorating Cesar Chavez Day.

U.S. Senator Harry Reid has continuously led efforts in Congress to honor the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez. Last year, Senator Reid was proud to pen a letter to the City of Las Vegas in support of renaming Pecos Road to "Camino Cesar Chavez." Motivated by his own experience working in the fields, Cesar Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association--now United Farm Workers--in 1962 in an effort to improve labor conditions for farm workers. For the next thirty years, Chavez dedicated his life to the struggle of working families, fighting for living wages, equal pay for equal work and defending the right to organize. A U.S. Navy veteran during World War II, Chavez was the recipient of the Navy's highest honor after the commissioning of the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Cesar Chavez in 2011.

"Today we commemorate the legacy of a great American hero who committed his life to the pursuit of social justice and dignity in the workplace," said Senator Reid. "Cesar Chavez fought tirelessly to improve the lives of farm workers and all American workers. He has become an icon for Latinos in Nevada and around the country. Cesar Chavez encapsulated the Latino community's tenacity and optimism in his rallying cry, "Sí, se puede,' or "Yes, we can.' This rallying cry embodies and unites us as Americans and has inspired countless individuals to serve our great country."

"I will continue fighting to uphold the values Cesar Chavez fought for. I hope Senate Republicans will put partisan politics aside and join me to pass legislation that protects workers' rights as well as the right to organize, grow the middle class, ensure women receive equal pay for equal work and end the separation of families by passing comprehensive immigration reform."

Source