‘The People’s Convoy’ passes into Ohio; supporters line overpasses along I-70

MIAMI VALLEY — People travelling on I-70 through the Miami Valley may see a large convoy of truckers who are part of “The People’s Convoy” that left California last month for a cross country trip to Washington D.C.

The convoy entered Ohio around noon.

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“This convoy is about freedom and unity,” organizers said in a prepared statement. “It’s time for elected officials to work with the blue collar and white-collar workers of America and restore accountability and liberty – by lifting all mandates and ending the state of emergency – as COVID is well-in-hand now, and Americans need to get back to work in a free and unrestricted manner.”

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Ohio has been without a mask mandate and health orders since last Spring, when Gov. Mike DeWine lifted them. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, mandates have been a hot topic for people across the country and as the COVID-19 situation is improving other places are now lifting mask requirements.

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Last week, the CDC announced it was relaxing its masking guidance to allow for the majority to be able to remove masks indoors.

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People from across the region and even out-of-state came to line overpasses to show their support for the truckers.

“It’s worth it. There’s times when you have to make a stand and we lost freedoms in Michigan. We had a little taste of it and it’s just not right,” said Phil Wazny, who drove down from Michigan to show his support. You get inspired when you see the convoy coming through and you just feel like you want to be a part of it.”

Organizers said “The People’s Convoy” is a non-partisan, trucker-led effort supported by a cross-cultural and multi-faith contingent of supporters including people from The Unity Project, The American Project, Advocates for Citizens’ Rights, U.S. Freedom Flyers and The American Foundation for Civil Liberties & Freedom.

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