San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of President Obama's establishment of the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California, scheduled for later this afternoon. President Obama will dedicate the memorial at Nuestra Señora Reina de La Paz, a property that once served as the national headquarters of the United Farm Workers (UFW) as well as the home of César Chávez and his family:
"César Chávez dedicated his life to the values that make America great: opportunity, justice, and equality. As such, La Paz, Chávez's home, is home to one of the greatest civil rights movements in the history of our nation and it is appropriate that President Obama designates it a national monument today.
"César Chávez's work was rooted in the plight of farmworkers but his cause spoke to many more. He stood on the side of all of those who seek an honest day's pay for an honest day's work, all of those willing to sacrifice and strive to achieve the American dream. His legacy is felt in safer working conditions, workplace protections, and a thriving labor movement.
"Today is a moment of pride for Californians, as President Obama travels to our state to honor our national values. May the César E. Chávez National Monument inspire the American quest for social justice for generations to come."
