Letter: Celebrate press freedom and free speech on Constitution Day
August 28, 2026To the community:
Third Act Vermont is planning an exciting community event in observance of United States Constitution Day. The celebration will be Sunday, Sept. 20, 1:30-3 p.m., at the Film House at Main Street Landing on the Burlington waterfront.
Constitution Day honors the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. Our local commemoration will focus on the First Amendment, specifically the twin freedoms of speech and of the press. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.
Presenters will be:
Anna Gomez, the lone Democratic commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. She has used her position on the commission to speak out against regulatory overreach and to advocate for diverse media that supports democracy. She was designated Hero of the Month in July by the Media and Democracy Project.
Jesse Wegman, New York Times journalist and senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice. He is the author of “Let the People Pick the President” (2020) and “The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution” (2026).
Meghan O’Rourke, executive director, CCTV Center for Media and Democracy. The Center advances free speech by promoting community involvement in the exchange of ideas and decision-making.
Anne Galloway, founder and former executive director and editor of VTDigger. Her commitment to truthful journalism and public service made VTDigger a reliable source and a model for nonprofit news.
The program will include time for questions and answers. Audience members also will have the opportunity to visit tables representing local media outlets and First Amendment support organizations to get information and resources as well as sign up with organizations they would like to get involved with.
For more information, email tavtpublicmedia@gmail.com. Register to attend this event online here.
This event is coordinated by the Press Freedom Team of Third Act - Chittenden County. We are grateful to CCTV Center for Media and Democracy for its media co-sponsorship.
Linda Quinet
For Third Act Chittenden County