Cesar Chavez Day, 2011

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,
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.