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U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson braved chilly winds to address the audience who gathered at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month for Veterans Day services at the Louis and Sandra Berkman Amphitheater.

"Quite simply, and this isn't an exaggeration, our nation wouldn't exist today had it not been for the soldiers stationed here at Fort Steuben and the tens of thousands who have served at outposts throughout the world," said Johnson, R-Marrietta.

"Our veterans are great men and women. Many don't easily accept the title of hero, but each and every one deserves it. I spent some time with a hero just last week when I had the privilege of escorting George Fowler around the Capitol. Poppy, as he is referred to, is from right down the river in Washington County. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a rear-gunner on a dive bomber from the Aircraft Carrier Essex," related Johnson.

"Poppy was in town to testify at a hearing in support of placing at the World War II Memorial the prayer that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt prayed with the American people on the morning of the D-Day invasion. Poppy is one of the fortunate heroes that survived World War II to tell the story for those who did not. Poppy told me that FDR's prayer sustained him and reminded him that he was fighting for this one nation under God." Johnson said.

"I first met Poppy while participating on an Honor Flight that flew World War II veterans to Washington to see the Memorials. It was a great chance to meet many veterans, and it reminded me of the importance of never forgetting the sacrifice that our veterans made to protect this great nation. As a veteran myself, I know that one of the best ways we can honor veterans is by taking good care of them," noted Johnson.

"I am honored to serve as chairman of the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The subcommittee's responsibilities include providing oversight of the VA and investigating any issues that arise in the VA or other federal agencies connected to veterans' services. Like much of government it can be an unwieldy bureaucracy, but it's my goal to ensure that it's operated in a legal and efficient manner," cited Johnson.

"Another way I'm working to honor the service of veterans is education. These men and women deserve to come home to a country not only grateful for their service but also to a place where they can grow and use their skills in the work force. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among veterans is almost 12 percent and this is well above the already-too-high national average and that is unacceptable," said Johnson.

"I support incentives that put our veterans and returning troops back to work. But, it doesn't end there. Our veterans deserve educational benefits that enable them to enroll in courses at community colleges and technical training schools. While younger veterans may take advantage of educational and job training opportunities through the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Yellow Ribbon Program, middle-aged veterans may not have had the same opportunities," he remarked.

"It is imperative that we help veterans of all ages to utilize and expand upon the skills they have acquired through the military to be able to compete in the 21st century economy.I hope that veterans are taking advantage of these educational programs and opportunities offered by the VA. And part of my job is making sure these programs are made known. These educational benefits are intended to aid veterans in achieving their educational goals by assisting with tuition, fees, housing, books and supplies," said Johnson.

"Personally, I was given the opportunity to attend college and graduate school through my service in the Air Force. And I know how much of a difference it made in my service and career after the Air Force.

"I've never met a soldier or a veteran without coming away feeling good about where our nation stands. It's probably the same feeling FDR felt even during the darkest days of World War II when he prayed with the nation on the morning of June 6, 1944, as our troops landed on the beaches at Normandy. 'They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home,'" recited Johnson.

A moment of silence was observed and Honor Guard members from American Legion Post 33 and American Legion Post 274 saluted fallen comrades.

Representatives of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 33, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 274, AMVETS Post 275, VFW Post 80, Gold Star Wives and Blue Star Mothers placed wreaths at the base of the American flag pole.