Obama Designates Cesar Chavez's Home Near Bakersfield As A National Monument

KEENE (CBSLA.com) — After leaving Los Angeles, President Barack Obama flew to Bakersfield Monday to pay his respects at labor leader Cesar Chavez's grave and designate his home as a national monument.

Before the announcement, the president visited Chavez's grave and laid a single red rose on the civil rights activist's resting place. He was accompanied by Chavez's widow, Helen F. Chavez.

Chavez's home, known as Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace), was the starting point for the United Farm Workers of America. The 187-acre site is just east of Bakersfield.

The event was attended by a crowd of 6,600 people, according to reports. The president told the massive crowd that Chavez worked for years without a victory, but still never gave up.

"Our world is a better place because Cesar Chavez chose to change it," Obama said.

At about 1 p.m., Air Force One was wheels up again for the president's next engagement in San Francisco.