As we assembled outside Dunkin’ Park in Hartford for Asnuntuck Community College’s 2023 commencement, I was surprised to see Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Back in April, Blumenthal marched in a national championship parade for the UConn men’s basketball team. Another marcher tripped and fell against Blumenthal’s legs, sending the 77-year-old senator crashing to the pavement.

Several people helped Blumenthal stand. He gathered himself, staggered, and continued marching with a pronounced limp and in obvious pain. He finished the parade before receiving medical attention.

The following day, Blumenthal had surgery to install pins into his broken thigh bone. He started physical therapy that day and returned to the Senate when it reconvened roughly a week later. Then, scant weeks later, he attended our commencement.

The senator had no entourage or security and interacted with anyone who approached, using a cane for balance. It was slightly surreal to be so close to someone I’d seen speaking so many times on television. He looked taller in person and, despite his recent injury, more youthful and energetic.

Seeing Blumenthal momentarily alone, I approached — mindful not to trip. He smiled, said hello, and offered a handshake.

“Hi, Senator,” I said. “We met when you visited Asnuntuck a decade ago,” The word “met” was a stretch. I stood near him for about 10 seconds and shared a quick nod and wave. There was about one chance in a million that he’d remember me.

“I remember!” he said. “How are you?”

“Great!” I replied. “Thank you for being here. I’m glad to see you’re recovering.”

“You know,” he said softly, leaning close, waggling his cane, “this was pretty terrible. I’ve never really been injured before, and it’s way worse than I expected.”

I resisted the urge to tell him about my multiple orthopedic surgeries, fractures, ruptures and sprains.

“But I love being here for Asnuntuck!” he said, earning bonus points for pronouncing our school’s goofy name correctly.

“Thank you so much for coming,” I repeated. “Also, I want to thank you for everything you’re doing. There are so many crazy things happening in the world right now and so many loud, selfish people dominating the conversation. I just want you to know that many people are grateful for your good sense and voice of reason.”

The senator nodded. “I really appreciate that,” he said.

Just then, the organizers called for us to line up for our march into the stadium. As a speaker that evening, Blumenthal was part of the platform group who would sit behind home plate.

He entered with the other VIPs. I was happy with my spot along the third base line with my colleagues.

When he was called on, Blumenthal limped enthusiastically to the podium. “I’m so proud and happy to be here tonight!” he said to one of the loudest cheers of the night. “Not even a broken leg could keep me away!”

Connecticut is obviously a “blue state,” and Blumenthal has won multiple elections by significant margins. But Asnuntuck’s service area is a mix of blue and red, with a significant number of Trump voters among the small towns and rural communities. I’ve encountered many people over the years who believe Democrats like Blumenthal are radicals bent on destroying America. Of course, that’s nonsense.

In a time when Republican politicians base much of their campaigning on claiming that Democrats don’t value hard work, Blumenthal praised the graduates for their hard work. He talked about how our students “persevered through some of the biggest challenges ever to face any group of students,” including COVID, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence.

He thanked the graduates’ families for supporting them, even though Republicans dishonestly say Democrats are anti-family. He thanked the veterans among the graduates and in the audience, despite the false Republican mantra that Democrats don’t respect veterans.

In fact, Trump, who received five deferments to avoid military service, ridiculed Blumenthal’s service in the Marines by lying about Blumenthal’s misstatement that he served “in” Vietnam instead of “during” Vietnam. Blumenthal served his country. Trump served himself.

Blumenthal then gave the students a call to action drawn directly from authentic American values. “Every generation makes a compact,” he said. “It’s a uniquely American compact to leave this great nation better and stronger for the generation of come.”

He talked about the ways that Americans care for one another: standing up for democracy, the right to vote, equal pay for equal work, women’s health care, and education.

Then Sen. Blumenthal closed his remarks with something that should inspire all Americans: “Thank you for all you will do for America, for Connecticut, for your communities, and your families,” he told the graduates.

The next time I hear someone spread their lies about Democrats, I’ll remind them of the Democrat who finished the parade with a broken leg and then limped to our commencement to honor our students.

When people claim that Democrats are evil or that all politicians are equally terrible, they’re only helping the worst politicians out there. Sen. Blumenthal and many others deserve our respect because they’re actually working for the people they represent and trying to make this country the best it can be.

John Sheirer is an author and teacher from Florence, Massachusetts. His latest book is the award-winning “Stumbling Through Adulthood: Linked Stories.” Find him at JohnSheirer.com.

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