Washington, D.C. - Today, in observance of Cesar Chavez Day, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement in honor of the civil rights leader. Bennet is a cosponsor of a resolution honoring Chavez that will be introduced by Senator Robert Menendez in the Senate next week.

"Cesar Chavez's legacy of fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions for farm workers is one that lives on today. He dedicated his life to justice and equality and inspired future generations to never give up on those worthy goals. As we honor his achievements today, it is also a reminder that we have a responsibility as Americans to call out discrimination and intolerance and work to create more opportunity for the next generation."

Cesar Estrada Chavez was born 88 years ago, on March 31, 1927, in Arizona to poor migrant farm workers. In 1962 Cesar Chavez co-founded the first successful farm workers union in the United States - the United Farm Workers (UFW) to campaign for safe and fair working conditions, reasonable wages, decent housing, and the outlawing of child labor. He inspired hope in these workers through his great rallying catchphrase, "Sí Se Puede." Cesar E. Chavez was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize during his lifetime and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on August 8, 1994.