Butler County residents might not always agree, and this election has brought out strong feelings on both sides that can often divide and harm a community.

But just when you think the hurtful words and rhetoric are too much to bear, the actions — in this case of people of both parties waiting to vote — make you believe in humanity again.

A reader called to thank the long line of voters at the Jefferson Township polling place for parting and letting a 94-year-old war veteran move up to again perform his civic duty.

He fought for our country in World War II and the Korean War.

Yesterday, wearing his Korean War cap and using a walker, he stepped forward again during a pandemic to be among the 78,000 county residents casting their votes in person Tuesday.

“These people were just wonderful,” the reader told the Eagle, describing the smiles of those in line at the grange as they made way for this American hero. “I could have cried.”

It is important to share this moment that shines the light on the commendable values of our fellow county residents.

No matter what the rest of this election process brings, we need to remember why we vote — striving for what we hope is the betterment of our country — and respect and cherish our neighbors.

— DJS