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Residents march with firearms in downtown Urbana

Photos: Gun rights walk in Urbana

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 7:25 AM Monday, April 20, 2009

URBANA — Ruth Helms’ jaw dropped just a little as she sat in a barber shop in downtown Urbana and a small parade of armed men and women walked past the business.

In order to raise awareness about Ohio’s gun laws, a group of about 30 men, women and children celebrated their right to bear arms Saturday, April 18.

Thomas Horch, who organized the Patriots’ Day Open Carry Walk, said the walk was designed to educate people about gun rights in Ohio. For about an hour, the small group walked through downtown Urbana carrying rifles and handguns. The rifles were not loaded, and the handguns were holstered at all times, Horch said. Authorities were also notified about the walk in advance.

“We just want to exercise our liberties,” said Michael Craft of St. Paris. “It’s more of a celebration. It’s not a protest or anything.”

Joseph Ponikvar traveled all the way from Cleveland to join in the walk. He said he wanted to show his support for Ohio’s open carry laws. He said he is also trying to organize a rally on May 30 in Cleveland. Ponikvar said he believes it is actually safer to carry guns openly as opposed to concealed carry laws.

“I personally don’t like concealed carry unless you have to do it,” he said.

Horch said the walk has grown a little since last year, when about 15 people showed up. This year, the figure roughly doubled, he said. Those who attended the walk were not required to carry a firearm.

Horch said the walk, which was in its second year this year, would be an annual event in Urbana.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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