First Amendment rally held on last day of Chanukah

About 50 cold but enthusiastic supporters of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution rallied today in front of the Vermont State House Menorah and Christmas tree. They expressed concern about loss of freedom of speech, religion, and peaceable assembly. The event was set on the last day of Chanukah to remember the victory of a small but determined minority.

Alice Flanders of Windsor, an Orthodox Jew, read part of the Chanukah story from the Torah and explained how it links the people of the first Chanukah to Vermonters committed to uphold Constitutional rights:

“This is no new battle. Those Jews who were involved in the first Chanukah were a minority. We’re a minority.”

“We are together in this fight. And it is a fight. We’re about to see miracles. We’re about to see salvation. We’re about to see mighty deeds.”

“This is the last day of Chanukah, which is about shedding light on the darkness. The antidote for darkness is the Constitution.” – John Klar, Brookfield. Klar said today’s event was the first of five. The next will be held outside the State House on January 5, the day before the 2021 Legislature convenes.

“We cannot allow the loss of freedom of speech and religion. If you take those out, there’s going to be chaos.” – Charles Wilson, Lyndonville

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