Local Perspective: Americans are united through our history and freedoms

COLUMBUS — Especially during this time of year around the Fourth of July, we should all pause to remember our nation’s history and the freedoms we hold dear as Americans. While I love the patriotism typically generated by our July 4th celebrations, at times it seems as though some Americans are sadly more divided than united.

During the time I have held public office positions throughout the past three decades, I believe recent years have been some of the most trying in terms of political divides and the polarization of issues within our state and nation. With issues like abortion, education, guns, redistricting, elections and inflation, Americans too often are arguing instead of working together to reach compromise and solve issues. We need to trade name calling and discord for understanding and respect.

Instead of being in disagreement with each other, we need to remember all that we have in common through our nation’s rich history, which serves as the foundation of what makes us Americans. While over two hundred years separate us from the patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence and fought for our freedoms in the Revolutionary War, we must remember the dedication and sacrifice of those who came before us. Many signers of the Declaration of Independence were captured, killed, had their homes destroyed, or lost their lives fighting in the war. Their faith in God and country was so strong that they were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice so that others, like us today, could enjoy our freedoms as Americans.  

America has undergone many changes and added countless pages to the books of its history since the year 1776, but one thing remains – we are still a nation grounded in the words of the Declaration. We are all created equal with God-given rights. It is crucial that we continue to teach those words and principles to the generations to come so that they understand the true meaning of freedom and what it means to be an American.

Though issues may sometimes cause division, the United States is resilient. We have been through difficult times before and we need to focus on our liberties and the common bonds that tie us together as a nation. We may come from different cultures, families, economic backgrounds or regions of the country, but we are all Americans. As I have often said, we are more than a red nation or a blue nation - we are a red, white and blue nation that is held together by the fabric of our American flag.

During this Fourth of July, I urge you to celebrate and take time to slow down and be thankful for the freedoms and liberties we should never take for granted. We must fight to uphold them. We must teach these principles and our history to our children so that they too will be forever united and grateful for this great nation we call America.

Sen. Jay Hottinger represents the 31st District in the Ohio Senate, encompassing all or parts of Coshocton, Holmes, Licking, Perry, and Tuscarawas counties.