BLOOMINGTON - Roy Jones refuses to let war on two fronts and a struggling economy get him down. "I hope our best days are ahead of us," Jones said as he prepared to celebrate Veterans Day Tuesday in Bloomington.

The Vietnam War veteran and rural Carlock resident is adjutant of Bloomington's American Legion Post 56, which coordinated the Veterans Day celebration in Bloomington.

Jones was among about 150 people attending the ceremony at the downtown McLean County Museum of History. The event, typically outside, was moved inside because of rain.

The people attending seemed to share Jones' optimism. They said the country will endure its current hardships, noting that the spirit of service exemplified by veterans will help make that happen.

Vincent Sanzotta, a past American Legion state commander and state adjutant, was keynote speaker and spoke about the perseverance demonstrated by American military personnel.

They "endure long separations from their families, miss the births of their children, freeze in sub-zero temperatures, bake in wild jungles, lose limbs, and, far too often, lose lives," he said.

Because of all that, Veterans Day is a time to thank them for what they have endured and accomplished for the country, Sanzotta said.

"If you think about it, we probably use the words 'thank you' or some variation of it at least a dozen times a day. But how do you thank someone for saving the world?" Sanzotta asked.

Like others at the ceremony, Sanzotta said he believes the U.S. will survive the current hard times. "I personally think our best days are ahead of us," he said.

Both veterans and active-duty personnel were on the mind of Bloomington resident Joe McCrary on Tuesday. The disabled Vietnam veteran has a son, Adam McCrary, serving in Afghanistan.

"He's been there for about two weeks and it's dangerous, but I know he's trained well," McCrary said.

Like Jones, McCrary is not only respectful of veterans but also confident of America's future.

"We've always bounced back," McCrary said.

That also was the view of Bloomington resident Art Wynn, who served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam.

"The American people have always persevered," Wynn said.

Also speaking briefly at the ceremony was state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, and Normal Mayor Chris Koos.

Sharyl Jennings sang the national anthem and "God Bless America" and was joined in song by many in the audience.

Among those braving the cold and rainy weather was Bloomington resident Roger Bachman.

"We need to take care of our veterans. They fought for our country," Bachman said.

He's among those believing the hard times will be temporary.

"I believe America will get through it," he said.