[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8641 of March 30, 2011

Cesar Chavez Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our Nation's story of progress is rich with profound struggle and great
sacrifice, marked by the selfless acts and fearless leadership of
remarkable Americans. A true champion for justice, Cesar Chavez
advocated for and won many of the rights and benefits we now enjoy, and
his spirit lives on in the hands and hearts of working women and men
today. As we celebrate the anniversary of his birth, we honor Cesar
Chavez's lasting victories for American workers and his noble methods in
achieving them.
Raised in the fields of Arizona and California, Cesar Chavez faced
hardship and injustice from a young age. At the time, farm workers
toiled in the shadows of society, vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Families like Chavez's were impoverished; exposed to hazardous working
conditions and dangerous pesticides; and often denied clean drinking
water, toilets, and other basic necessities.
Cesar Chavez saw the need for change and made a courageous choice to
work to improve the lives of his fellow farm workers. Through boycotts
and fasts, he led others on a path of nonviolence conceived in careful
study of the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and Mahatma Gandhi, and
in the powerful example of Martin Luther King, Jr. He became a community
organizer and began his lifelong advocacy to protect and empower people.
With quiet leadership and a powerful voice,

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Cesar founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with Dolores Huerta,
launching one of our Nation's most inspiring social movements.
Cesar Chavez's legacy provides lessons from which all Americans can
learn. One person can change the course of a nation and improve the
lives of countless individuals. Cesar once said, ``Non-violence is not
inaction. . . . Non-violence is hard work. It is the willingness to
sacrifice. It is the patience to win.'' From his inspiring
accomplishments, we have learned that social justice takes action,
selflessness, and commitment. As we face the challenges of our day, let
us do so with the hope and determination of Cesar Chavez, echoing the
words that were his rallying cry and that continue to inspire so many
today, ``S[iacute], se puede'' -- ``Yes, we can.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31 of each year
as Cesar Chavez Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with
appropriate service, community, and educational programs to honor Cesar
Chavez's enduring legacy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA