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JOHNSTOWN - The 70 people attending the city's annual downtown Veterans Day program late Wednesday morning were reminded by the featured speaker how the everyday freedoms Americans enjoy can be traced to the service of past veterans.

"All of that is afforded to us by all of those who served," Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Jones said during the traditional Veterans Day service.

The program began with church bells being sounded, and a moment of silence was observed for deceased veterans.

John B. Morris, master chief storekeeper, U.S. Naval Reserves (retired), served as master of ceremonies for the 16-minute program conducted at the Charles Jenner Memorial Bandshell on West Main Street. Sunny skies greeted the gathering, as a "Lest We Forget" flag hanging at the bandshell swayed in the cool breeze.

Jones, Johnstown's assistant city engineer, served six years in the Army and has served five years in the National Guard.

The 1980 Johnstown High School graduate said it was at the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when a cease-fire occurred in World War I. The period marked the start of what initially became known as Armistice Day on Nov. 11 to honor veterans.

Jones said he believes that sometimes it is hard for people to "get a hold" of what Veterans Day really means. He said it has been many years since there was actual fighting on American soil, especially those who fought in the area of the Colonial City in the 18th century. He said he has struggled to explain to his daughter what service by veterans means.

"We live in a world where everything is all sound bites and video clips," Jones said.

He said he saw a televised report by a female journalist in Afghanistan where bullets were whizzing by as soldiers were taking on small arms fire. Jones said he watched the war report, and it was immediately followed by a 20-second Wii commercial, in which a young boy was depicted playing the gaming system in his living room.

Jones said the juxtaposition of the war coverage with the boy enjoying his freedom spelled out for him what service by veterans really means.

"That really is the truth of the matter," he said. "That's what Veterans Day is all about."

He said the fact everyone gathered Wednesday in freedom and free speech also illustrates the meaning of the day.

He said he supports veterans, the family members of veterans and those who made "the ultimate sacrifice" by dying for the protection of the United States.

Jones said he served with many soldiers "who didn't come back" to enjoy the freedoms they fought for. Those included soldiers slain during Desert Storm, as well as those who died during the Cold War, he said.

Color guards for the program were American Legion Post 472, the Johnstown Police Department Honor Guard and the Johnstown Fire Department.

The invocation and benediction were given by the Rev. Brian Dykema, pastor of the Johnstown Reformed Church.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Morris.

The Johnstown High School Marching Band performed the national anthem.

Presentation of a wreath was done by Paul Valachovic, a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps first lieutenant and 1939 Johnstown High School graduate.

The Johnstown Police Department Honor Guard gave a three-shot salute.

"Taps" was played by Johnstown High School Marching Band buglers Sarah Harris and Ran Isei.

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.