It’s the story that we all want to have a happy ending, but that happy ending doesn’t happen unless the push to free Marc Fogel continues.

As Sen. Dave McCormick begins his first term, Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, begins his latest term, and Sen. John Fetterman continues in his role this year, we’re seeing renewed energy around the push to bring Marc Fogel home.

The momentum is there.

Marc Fogel painting by artist Clare Mears Stefanini

Readers, this is the home stretch. Don’t let those who represent Butler County forget their promises to help Fogel attain his freedom.

We’ve been following this story for years. Butler native, Marc Fogel, has been detained since August 2021 in Russia, and after long last, he was designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.

Those who represent Butler County in Congress — McCormick, Fetterman and Kelly — joined others Thursday in the latest bipartisan push to bring about Fogel’s freedom. They were among a group that sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, congratulating him on his new role.

But within the letter, the bipartisan senders wasted little time with formalities. They made their motive clear within only a short time. Prioritize Fogel’s release, they urged.

Rubio already was aware of Fogel’s situation. McCormick even asked Rubio about it during a Senate confirmation hearing.

Now, we wait to see action, but if that action doesn’t come swiftly, then we must remind the elected leaders of their promises.

Everyone of them has phone numbers and email addresses that can be used by the public. Call them up and remind them why this matters to you.

The fight to free Fogel isn’t over yet. Don’t forget him.

— TL