The U.S. Navy is considering renaming the USNS Cesar Chavez, sparking concern among elected leaders and family members of Chavez, who is recognized as a veteran and prominent civil rights activist. A letter signed by Rep. Sam Liccardo and 22 members of Congress urges retention of the name, emphasizing that Chavez's legacy transcends political affiliation. Chavez was notable for forming the first successful farmworkers union and advocating for labor rights. The Navy named the ship after him in 2011, and the Chavez family has expressed dismay over not being consulted about the name change.
The U.S. Navy, under the direction of Secretary of State Pete Hegseth, is considering renaming Navy cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez. Elected leaders, along with Cesar Chavez's family members, are fighting back to keep the ship's name and preserve Chavez's legacy as a veteran and historic civil rights and labor activist.
Rep. Sam Liccardo, former San Jose mayor, issued a letter alongside Rep. Gil Cisneros and 22 other members of Congress calling for Hegseth and the Navy to keep Chavez's name on the ship. The letter argues "the legacy of Cesar Chavez is not a partisan issue," and goes on to say it's a testament to "the American spirit of sacrifice, service and social progress."
Liccardo said the potential renaming is personal because his father worked with Chavez to defend farmworkers' rights. Chavez, who lived in San Jose, is known for organizing the country's first successful farmworkers union, now known as the United Farm Workers, in the early 1960s.
Rudy Chavez Medina, nephew of Cesar Chavez, stated that his uncle's military experience led him to return home and continue to fight for what he believed in. The Chavez family said the federal government never contacted them about the potential renaming.
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