Marching in a July 4 parade… is divisive?

I never thought waving an American flag in a July 4th parade would divide people - but that’s what I saw.

As I marched with the Champaign County Democrats waving an American flag, the faces of onlookers showed our polarized America.

• Most people cheered and waved us on with shouts of “No Kings!” and other supporting statements.

• Some people looked back with cold eyes and crossed arms.

It didn’t help that the “Big Beautiful Bill” had just passed Congress, but the political split in our country is huge.

I’ll never grow tired of saying this: I am so glad I was born in America and raised to appreciate our freedoms. I’m proud of what this country traditionally stands for - so I’m sad to see how the Trump administration is tearing it apart.

Sanford Hess marching in a July 4 parade.