On Friday, October 9th, the “Patriots, God, and Country Tour” stopped in Nebraska City. This group of retired veterans and first responders are driving their patriotic vehicles over 5,000 miles this fall in 36 days. They are traveling from Phoenix to Washington D.C. and passing through 22 states, including Nebraska.

Last Friday, the tour arrived in Nebraska City. The caravan of patriotic vehicles was impressive to visitors of all ages. Members of the tour guided groups of students to different vehicles, pointing out that each truck celebrated a different unifying aspect of our country, from the bravery of our first responders to the U.S. Constitution. I had a fantastic time visiting with these patriots and respect everything that they have done in service to our country.

The purpose of the “Patriots, God, and Country Tour” is to change the current rhetoric of the nation. In a time of division in our country, the group wants to remind the nation of the gifts and freedoms God has bestowed upon us. These include the liberties we have in the United States and the heroes that protect them both in our country and abroad.

This year has been extremely difficult and divisive for everyone in our nation. Election cycles in our state and nation have caused tempers to flare on both sides, and we may have a tendency to forget what unites us. We are one America and one Nebraska, regardless of political affiliation.

We come from different walks of life and political stripes in Southeast Nebraska, but there’s a common thread: we take genuine pride in our communities and want to see them succeed.

No agendas, no ulterior motives- just an honest desire to do what’s right. We may have differing ideas on how to best get there sometimes, but at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

That’s something to be proud of, if you ask me.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604; telephone 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov