Daniel Ellsberg to Keynote Hero Round Table

“Pentagon Papers” whistleblower will discuss heroism and government secrecy

FLINT, MI – DANIEL Ellsberg will keynote the Hero Round Table, the world’s largest conference dedicated to heroism. Ellsberg is best known for publicly releasing the “Pentagon Papers” in 1971.

Ellsberg’s famous decision, which first revealed US government deception during the Vietnam War, brought him under espionage charges with a possible sentence of up to 115 years. The trial was dismissed due to government misconduct.

“Daniel Ellsberg was the Edward Snowden of the 1970s,” said Matt Langdon, the founder of the Hero Round Table. “He accepted great personal risk to bring the truth to the American people, which is virtually the definition of heroism.”

In his keynote, Ellsberg will talk about the pressure that whistleblowers face to keep quiet, particularly about government wrongdoing—and he will shed light on how a person can overcome that pressure.

“It’s natural for people to fall silent when we see something we think is wrong,” Langdon said. “No one wants to be the first to speak up. But heroism is about taking action when no one else will.”

In the years since his revelation Ellsberg has worked as a lecturer and activist on the urgent need for patriotic whistleblowing. In addition to his keynote address, he will participate in the Hero Round Table’s interactive whistleblower panel.

“Our goal at the Hero Round Table is to help every attendee make strong heroic decisions in their own life,” says the other co-founder, Adam Hartley. “Ellsberg’s experience is incredibly valuable in preparing ourselves to stand up when we see wrongdoing.”

Over 1,000 people are expected to attend the Hero Round Table, which takes place September 19-20. Tickets are available online.

About the Hero Round Table:

The Hero Round Table is a cross-disciplinary conference on heroism in today’s world. Talks and discussions come from experts in the worlds of psychology, education, philosophy, sports, storytelling and more.  The Hero Round Table provides an opportunity for those interested in heroism around the world to meet, collaborate, and learn how heroism thrives.