The air was crisp and the sky a brilliant blue as community members gathered Friday afternoon in the front of First Commonwealth Bank's main lobby parking area to enjoy an outdoor lunch of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixin's and a formal flag-raising ceremony in honor of the Veteran's Day holiday.

This year, the management team at First Commonwealth Bank decided to do things a little differently opting to remain open on a holiday that their offices usually close down for in order to pay tribute to local servicemen and women and their families.

Mark Wilson, president and CEO, First Commonwealth Bank, said during opening ceremonies that honoring the nation's veterans, as well as those servicemen and women engaged today in active duty was “important” and that they were “honored for the opportunity” to do so.

Inside, the main office lobby housed a display of national and state flags, combat uniforms, photographs, shadow boxes filled with service memorabilia and more. The focus of the display and the afternoon's ceremonies was, according to Wilson, intended to “draw attention to the dedication and service of the extraordinary individuals who won, and are now maintaining, our country's freedom.”

“We believe this cookout and lobby display affords us a great opportunity for family and friends to join together in celebration of deserving men and women,” Wilson continued. “Our veterans have made such an impact on our lives and this is our little way of showing our gratitude for everything they have done.”

The Betsy Layne Chapter 166 of the Disabled American Veterans conducted the flag-raising and a 21-gun salute during the formal ceremonies. Josh McCarty performed the national anthem and Rev. Mark Walz, First United Methodist Church, Arnold Avenue, offered the opening prayer.