President Ted Cox of the state SAR, center, presents the Silver Roger Sherman Medal to Brent Sams, historian of the Capt James Neal SAR, left, and Dr. J.K. Lily, president of the Capt. Daniel Boone SAR, with the Silver Roger Sherman Medal. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The West Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution Daniel Boone and Capt. James Neal chapters from Charleston and Parkersburg, respectively, on Sept. 27 hosted a luncheon celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States military at Folklore Pizza & Bistro in Spencer.

The event commemorated the birthdays of the U.S. Army on June 14,1775, the U.S. Navy on Oct. 13, 1775, and the U.S. Marines on Nov. 10, 1775. Sixty people from 13 chapters from across the state attended.

Guests of honor were Judge Anita Ashley, retired colonel Steve Eshenhaur of the West Virginia Air National Guard, Parkersburg High School Naval Junior ROTC Commander Chief Glenn Rickard and Dr. J.K. Lilly, who retired from the Navy. Lily spoke on the origins of the Continental Navy.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the Naval JROTC cadets. They were Cadets Phoenix Nesselrotte, Emilia Ferrer, Olivia Kennerly, Lilly Jones, Daniel McIntyre, Cameron Dutton, Peyton Stutler and Joshua Davis.

The cadets saluted veterans in attendance.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to the Parkersburg High School Naval JROTC cadets at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution Capt. James Neal and Daniel Boone chapters on Sept. 27. The cadets saluted veterans in attendance at the luncheon. From left, front row, Phoenix Nesselrotte, Emilia Ferrer, Olivia Kennerly and Lilly Jones. Back row, Daniel McIntyre, Cameron Dutton, Peyton Stutler and Joshua Davis. (Photo Provided)

The SAR 250th Bronze Medal, given for support and participation in SAR sestercentennial events, was presented to: Olga Thomas, chaplain of the Capt. James Wood Daughters of the American Revolution; Marjorie Thomas, a booster of the Capt. James Neal SAR; Mary Ellen Brown, Blennerhassett DAR West Virginia state chaplain; and Gloria Batten, regent of the Jonathan Sheppard DAR. Missing was Dayne Thomas, a booster of the Capt. James Neal SAR.

The Silver Roger Sherman Medal was presented to event co-chairmen Brent Sams, Capt. James Neal SAR historian, and Lilly, president of the Daniel Boone SAR. The awards were presented by President Ted Cox of the state SAR.

Sams also was presented a commemorative 250th Tomahawk Peace Pipe from the Cherry Fort 250th celebration promoting sestercentennial events over the years.

After the luncheon, the group reconvened at Mr. Olive Cemetery to honor Revolutionary War soldier Patrick Board with a new patriot grave marker and a three-volley musket salute from the state SAR color guard.

The Sons of the American Revolution 250th Bronze Medal, recognizing support and participation in SAR sestercentennial events, was presented to: Olga Thomas, chaplain of Capt. James Wood Daughters of the American Revolution; Marjorie Thomas, a booster of the Capt. James Neal SAR; Mary Ellen Brown, the Blennerhassett DAR West Virginia state chaplain; and Gloria Batten, regent of the Jonathan Sheppard DAR. Missing was Dayne Thomas, a booster of the Capt. James Neal SAR. (Photo Provided)