The O'Rorke Memorial Society made an announcement at a Flag Raising Ceremony before the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.

The society announced its campaign to award Colonel Patrick O'Rorke the Medal of Honor.

O'Rorke immigrated to Rochester from Ireland as a child. He graduated first in his class at West Point in 1861 and shortly after, became a local civil war hero.

O'Rorke was shot in the Battle of Gettysburg while securing Little Round Top with the Union Army.

The society is asking public officials and the local government for support in signing the electronic petition.

"We wont forget him. Don't let anyone forget him. Sign our petition. Help us get long overdue recognition for Rochester's Irish American hero," said Rick Dollinger, chairperson of the O'Rorke Medal of Honor Committee.

The 20-year old community organization discussed presenting the petition to the local and national government as well as the government in Ireland where Colonel O'Rorke was born.