Jan. 6 anniversary: Ohioans call for unity on divisive day

<h2>Mary Schuermann Kuhlman</h2> <p>As Americans mark the first anniversary of one of the country's most divisive days, some Ohioans are <a href="https://jan6unityday.org/" target="_blank">gathering in unity</a>.<br> <br> In an attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election, supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. More than 140 police officers suffered injuries.<br> <br> Richard Asimus, activist and organizer of the Jan. 6 Remembrance in Cincinnati, said it was a sad day.<br> <br> "I wanted to cry," Asimus recounted. "Is this what our country is coming to? Our citizens attacking our Capitol and the process and the police?"<br> <br> Mindy Hedges, a volunteer for a candlelight vigil scheduled for the statehouse in Columbus, noted the vigil is nonpartisan.<br> <br> "It is not about parties," Hedges emphasized. "It is about our freedom, it is about our democracy, it is about us as Americans."<br> <br> Rioters caused an estimated <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/one-year-jan-6-attack-capitol" target="_blank">$1.5 million</a> in damages to the Capitol building and grounds. More than <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/storytelling/capitol-riot-mob-arrests/" target="_blank">725 people</a> have been arrested for their involvement so far, including 38 from Ohio.<br> <br> Today's vigils will honor the police officers and National Guard troops who defended the Capitol, and Asimus is hopeful participants will be inspired to consider how they can help defend democracy.<br> <br> "Rather than just be angry or be reactive, go deeper," Asimus urged. "Feel the meaning, honor those that were heroes in this event on the 6th. Then from that, carry that out and contribute to making society better."<br> <br> Some events are also drawing attention to federal voting-rights legislation, which Hedges contended is needed to protect attacks on democracy. She cites <a href="https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA134-HB-387" target="_blank">