SAN JUAN — A petition was supposed to be passed out during the Cesar Chávez March Saturday to ask President Barack Obama to declare Monday a national day of service in honor of the late advocate for farmworkers’ rights.

But the White House beat La Unión Del Pueblo Entero organizers to the punch by making the announcement Friday. That, coupled with a recent major motion picture detailing Chávez’s formation of the United Farm Workers and subsequent strikes, meant the annual event carried a bit more weight in the national consciousness, said LUPE spokeswoman Tania Chavez, the organization’s special programs coordinator.

Between 850 and 1000 people walked from San Juan City Park to LUPE headquarters on Cesar Chávez Road on Saturday.

Aida Cruz, 25, of Donna marched behind her two sisters and nephew. Her 3-year-old niece rode on her shoulders, waving a miniature red flag adorned with the United Farm Workers’ squared-off eagle symbol.

“My grandparents marched with Cesar Chávez in California … We’ve always been coming to the César Chávez marches since I can remember,” Cruz said.

Both the annual march and a new movie directed by Diego Luna will focus attention on farm workers, Cruz said.