WHEREAS, at the age of sixteen Peter Francisco entered the American Revolution as a volunteer for the American Forces; and

WHEREAS, while fighting for his country, Peter Francisco fought in many historic battles, saved the life of his commanding officer, was wounded several times and finally witnessed the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown; and

WHEREAS, at the time of Peter Francisco's death, January 16, 1831, he occupied the position of Sergeant-at-Arms in the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Peter Francisco was buried with military honors in the Shockoe Cemetery, in Richmond and was honored by the Virginia House of Delegates; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, the General Assembly of Virginia passed Joint Resolution Number 200 declaring March 15 of each year Peter Francisco Day; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has erected highway signs at strategic points to commemorate the life of Peter Francisco; and

WHEREAS, Peter Francisco, a native Virginian put his life on the line for this country and our great Commonwealth and we have freedom because of the valor of men like Peter Francisco;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James S. Gilmore, III, do hereby recognize March 15, 1998 as PETER FRANCISCO DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.