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OTTUMWA -- Iowa remembered its fallen servicemen and women on Tuesday.

About 100 people filed into the Bridgeview Center in Ottumwa to remember 72 fallen Iowans that have died from serving our country since September 11th, 2001.  The event also had Blakesburg resident and retired Air Force Colonel Harold Johnson speak.

Johnson’s plane was shot down over Vietnam during the war.  It was there where he was held prisoner for 2,135 days.  He says there are many similarities to the wars now and back in Vietnam.

“It’s very similar in any conflict that you have to respond and be courageous,” said Johnson.  “There are no great men, only great challenges to be met and that’s what happens when you’re in a situation like that.”

Also in attendance was Mary Ellen Winston, mother of Staff Sergeant Joseph Hamski of Ottumwa who was killed in action in Afghanistan.

“It’s overwhelming to see the number of people who support our troops,” said Winston.

For Winston, it’s nice to see how America has embraced veterans of war.  Winston lived through the Vietnam era and says those soldiers were not treated as well.

“I’m glad that our country learned its lesson and learned that we need to support those who are willing to do what most of us won’t do.”

If you would like to see the display at the Bridgeview Center, the memorial will be there through July 4.