"Celebrating Ohio's Rich History"

This month, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of an event that shaped the course of the 20th century - the first manned flight. For Ohioans, this is truly a special celebration, as we commemorate the ingenuity of two of our state's most famous sons - two self-taught scientists from Dayton, Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Throughout the month of July - and throughout the entire year - there will be many celebrations of the Wright Brothers' remarkable achievement. As we remember their place in the history of both Ohio and our Nation, we also have the opportunity to learn more about other aspects of our state's history and how we all fit into Ohio's unique past and its promising future.

History has always been an important part of my life. I was raised to have a deep appreciation for our state and its rich stories. That appreciation of history has stayed with me throughout my life and into my career. In the United States Senate, I have made the preservation of historic landmarks a top priority. For years, I have been concerned that historic sites in Ohio and around our Nation are getting run down. Many of these sites are in need of repair to secure their existence for future generations.

If we fail to preserve these sites, as we have preserved the Wright Brother's legacy, we will lose a valuable part of our American history. While in the Senate, I have worked to help secure funding for historic sites, like the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center in Dayton and the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. These historic sites will serve as a constant reminder of Ohio's rich historical legacy.

In addition to these historic sites, Ohio is also home to a number of presidential sites. Our great state is affectionately referred to as the "Mother of Presidents," as eight U.S. Presidents have been born in Ohio. I have worked to secure funding for numerous presidential sites around Ohio - such as the Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace, Childhood Home, and Schoolhouse, as well as the William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati.

As Ohioans, we have a lot to celebrate and a lot to remember - not only in the month of July but year-round. Our great state has a rich history that is being displayed for the world to see. This year, we celebrate the Centennial of Flight and remember that two Ohioans accomplished the impossible on our very own Huffman Prairie. We also continue to celebrate our state's heritage through our many historic and presidential sites. I encourage you to visit these landmarks - they are a gateway to Ohio's critical role in our Nation's historical development.