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From the City of Santa Barbara
Letter of Recognition
Royal Presidio Soldiers
Second Annual Hispanic Hero
Commemoration Parade
Washington, D.C.
October 6, 1996
Whereas, in 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, representing
King Charles the First of
Spain, sailed off the coast of what ws to be known as California and
Whereas, in December, the Festival day of Saint Barbara
in 1601, Father Antonio
de la Ascencion, a passenger on Sebastian Vizciano's ship, bestowed the
name of Santa
Barbara (patron saint of mariners) to the channel and adjacent mainland;
and
Whereas, in August 1769, Gaspar de Portola's overland
expedition camped and
traded here and in April 1782 The Santa Barba Presidio Real (the 4th and
last Royal
Fortress) under the command of Lt. Jose Francisco Ortega, was formally
established in
ceremonies conducted by Father Juniper Serra; and
Whereas, in keeping with the preservation of our heritage,
The Presidio Soldiers,
established in 1782, continue to perpetuate the traditions and honor the
Royal and
Illustrious Order of Carlos III of Spain presented to the City of Santa
Barbara, many of
the current soldiers being descendants of the original group.
NOW, THEREFORE, I HARRIET MILLER, by virtue of the authority
vested in me as
Mayor of the City of Santa Barbar do hereby recognize
and honor the ROYAL
PRESIDIO SOLDIERS on the occasion of their participation in the Second
Annual
Hispanic Hero Commemoration Parade to be held in Washington D.C. on October
6,
1996.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused
the Official Seal ofthe City of Santa Barbara, California, to be affixed
this 1st day of October 1996.
HARRIET
MILLER, MAYOR