The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga invites the Chattanooga community to its eleventh annual First Amendment Dinner on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road.
This event educates about First Amendment rights and honors local veterans for their military service.
The keynote speaker will be former Congressman Zach Wamp, who will speak on politics and the First Amendment.
The cost for this annual event is $14 for both veterans and non-veterans. RSVP to 493-0270, rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com or visit www.jewishchattanooga.com. Space is limited.
The First Amendment Dinner was started 11 years ago as a way to honor veterans as well as military personnel and to inform the public of First Amendment Rights. Past speakers have included Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, Morris Dees co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Hedy Weinberg of the ACLU, Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Clay Bennett, among others.
“It is increasingly important for the public to understand the importance of keeping the freedoms we have grown to enjoy and to respect those who serve our country in order to keep these freedoms.” said Michael Dzik, Jewish Federation executive director.
Mr. Wamp served 16 years in the U.S. Congress as U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District from 1995 to 2011. Known as one of the last in a generation of bipartisans more interested in solutions than taking the credit, Mr. Wamp was a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Mr. Wamp served on the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and was co-chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. Vigorously supporting the Tennessee Valley Authority, he also worked to secure funding for the decaying lock at the Chickamauga Dam. He was founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Fitness Caucus. Mr. Wamp served as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. He secured a $4 million appropriation for a methamphetamine task force.
The Jewish Cultural Center, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, offers programs, classes, and exhibits; social services; and a preschool—all rooted in Jewish values. The facility enables the Jewish community to raise its visibility, foster relationships, and strengthen its identity in the Chattanooga area. Located at 5461 North Terrace, the Center and its programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.