Civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez is going to be honored for a different kind of service.
On Thursday, the 22nd anniversary of his death, Chavez will get full graveside honors from the U.S. Navy at his California memorial in the small Kern County community of Keene.
The idea for the ceremony came from a current Navy sailor who learned Chavez did not receive the honors at the time of his death, according to the Cesar Chavez Foundation.
The foundation is hosting the ceremony, along with the National Park Service, which operates Chavez’s memorial.
Current sailors, veterans and Chavez relatives are expected to attend the formal ceremony that will include a Navy bugler playing “Taps,” a rifle salute and a folding of a U.S. flag that will be presented to Chavez’s widow, Helen.
(AP)
