Letter to the editor: Make sure elections are peaceful

I served in the U.S. Marine Corps and am part of a national coalition of veterans who value country over politics. As July 4th approaches, we urge all the readers of the Canton Repository, and fellow citizens of Stark County, to consider the mood of the country today.

The overwhelming majority of Americans — Republicans, Democrats and independents — fear this year's elections will again descend into violence.

Veterans from every state of this great Republic and every political background swore an oath to the Constitution and are proud and honored to have defended it. Across the country we are asking everyone running for public office to pledge to:

• Renounce threats of violence and voter intimidation. Use all your platforms to do the same.
• Respect certified results of the election, and, where necessary, the verdict of the courts in adjudicating any election disagreements.

All Americans running for office, please affirm that you will honor our history of peaceful transfers of power, as the framers intended. No more Jan. 6ths.

Semper fidelis.

Larry W. Vogt Jr., Perry Township