News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 3, 2026

Freedom Requires Justice: A Fourth of July Message from Prosecutor Ron Welch

As we celebrate Independence Day, Americans across our nation will gather with family and friends to enjoy the freedoms that make the United States the greatest nation in the world. While fireworks, parades, and cookouts are cherished traditions, the Fourth of July is ultimately a celebration of something far greater—the freedom secured through sacrifice and protected through the rule of law.

Many years ago there was a legal show called “The Practice.” During one of the scenes a prosecutor explains that a man can never feel free if he never feels safe. That single thought has been a core principle of my career.

Nearly 250 years ago, our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to establish a nation built upon liberty, individual responsibility, and equal justice under the law. Those principles remain just as important today as they were in 1776.

Freedom and justice are inseparable. A free society cannot exist without laws, accountability, and a commitment to protecting innocent people from those who would harm others. The rights we enjoy as Americans are preserved because generations of citizens have been willing to defend them, and because countless public servants continue to uphold them every day.

In Muskingum County, we believe that public safety matters. We believe victims deserve a voice. We believe criminals must be held accountable for their actions. We believe children should be protected, neighborhoods should be safe, and families should be able to live without fear. These are not political principles—they are American principles.

Every day, law enforcement officers, first responders, prosecutors, judges, corrections professionals, and military personnel stand on the front lines protecting the freedoms many take for granted. Their work is often difficult, dangerous, and thankless, but it is essential to preserving the quality of life we enjoy in our communities.

Independence Day is also a time to remember that freedom is not self-sustaining. It requires citizens who are willing to take responsibility for their actions, respect the rights of others, and contribute positively to their communities. The strength of our nation has never come from government —it comes from families, faith, hard work, personal responsibility, and communities that refuse to accept lawlessness and disorder.

The people of Muskingum County understand these values. We believe in standing up for what is right, supporting those who serve, and ensuring that justice is applied fairly and firmly. We understand that protecting our community today honors the sacrifices of those who fought to secure our freedoms yesterday.

As we celebrate our nation's independence, let us remember that liberty survives only when it is defended. Let us honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces, those currently serving, and the public servants who work every day to keep our communities safe. Let us recommit ourselves to the ideals that have made America a beacon of freedom and opportunity for generations.

The Fourth of July reminds us that freedom is a gift, but preserving it is a responsibility. Through our commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law, we ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty that define our nation.

Happy 4th of July!

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