As we celebrate the life, compassion, and courage of Cesar Chavez, it seems very appropriate that we share with you, the comments Cesar made after receiving IDA’s Award of Excellence. We were so very honored that day, many years ago, to have the opportunity to present it to him, to express our profound appreciation of all he has done and achieved for his fellow beings, both human and non human alike. We have been truly inspired and motivated by the words, actions and life of this very special and very humble human being. We thank you all, past and present friends and supporters of IDA who have made all our lifesaving achievements possible.

“Dr. Elliot Katz, and all the members and supporters of In Defense of Animals, we bring you greetings from the farm workers and all those who feel we must respect all life without exception. We want to congratulate in a very special way Dr. Katz, and all the people who work with him, and all the people who follow him for making the good fight. Congratulate him and all those who belong to In Defense of Animals for their victories and programs. We want to thank them because the award is especially meaningful to me because it comes from higher caring people.

It is also meaningful to us because it comes from people who put actions where their pronouncements are, and that is important for us. We need in a special way, to work twice as hard to make all people understand that animals are fellow creatures; that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves. And that the basis for peace is respecting all creatures. We cannot hope to have peace until we respect everyone, respect ourselves, and all living beings. We cannot defend and be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them. Exploiting them in the name of science, exploiting them in the name of sport, exploiting them in the name of fashion, and yes, exploiting them in the name of food.” Cesar Chavez

In Cesar’s honor, on behalf of all our fellow beings and in your honor and of all who have gone before us let us continue to strengthen and grow our efforts in creating the kind of world Cesar and we all would be so very thankful for and proud of.