Jay Sheehy, president of Highmark West Virginia, left, welcomes attendees including residents, current and former employees, veterans and their families to an early Flag Day celebration hosted at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — Highmark West Virginia held a Red, White and Blue Celebration Thursday afternoon at its plaza in Parkersburg to recognize Flag Day, veterans, service members, first responders and their families.

The event was also held in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which will be marked this year.

“We’re hosting Flag Day, and it’s to recognize our veterans and their families, our servicemen and women, and their families, as well as first responders,” said Jay Sheehy, president of Highmark West Virginia. “We’re just trying to get a jump on our 250th celebration as a country, and that’s an amazing thing, having us all come together.”

Sheehy said the event was intended to give people a chance to reflect on the country and those who have served it.

“There’s a lot going on in the world, and here, but just thinking about how lucky we are to live in the United States and celebrate with Flag Day,” he said.

Marietta American Legion Post 64 members Jim Williams, Regis Kern and Chico Schob hoist the flag during a Flag Day celebration at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield on Market Street Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Members of the Parkersburg South High School Choir performed the national anthem during the event. A flag-raising ceremony was conducted by members of American Legion Post 64 of Marietta. Sheehy identified the veterans involved in the ceremony as Jim Williams, Regis Kern and Chico Schob.

The celebration also included lunch for Highmark employees and retirees, from Convicted Pigs BBQ, operated by Chris Jackson and Erica Jackson. Sheehy said Chris Jackson is a first responder and member of the state police force, while Erica Jackson works at Highmark and serves on the Downtown PKB board.

“We’re trying to do a lot in our community to support all that,” Sheehy said.

The Rhododendron Ice Cream Truck, owned by Alyssa Tennant, was also on the plaza. Complimentary ice cream was offered to EMTs, first responders, veterans and their families. Members of the public were also welcome to attend and purchase ice cream.

Volunteers from the Humane Society of Parkersburg also attended the celebration with dogs available for adoption.

From left, Rhododendron Ice Cream Owner Alyssa Tennant passes out ice cream to recent Parkersburg South High School graduate and choir member Ava Branham during a Flag Day celebration Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The event was held ahead of Flag Day, which will be observed June 14.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Employee Amber McCoy receives a hug from Flik, a ten-month old adoptable shelter pup from the Humane Society of Parkersburg, during a Flag Day celebration held at Highmark Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)