Portland Civic Lab hosted a screening of The Internet’s Own Boy on what would have been Aaron’s 40th birthday and asked a number of people to contribute their thoughts for the occasion.

Senator Wyden, who appears in the film, spoke at Aaron’s memorial in Washington in 2013.

His office sent this statement to Portland Civic for its November 8, 2026 event:

 

 

Statement from Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden on the 40th Birthday of Aaron Swartz

I am sorry I can’t join you all here in Portland to remember Aaron Swartz today, when he would have been 40 years old.

Aaron worked closely with my office on a number of civil liberties issues. As I said at his memorial, 13 years ago, Aaron will forever remain an inspiration. During his short time on earth, he made an eternal difference.

The federal government persecuted Aaron with overblown criminal charges because he tried to break down barriers to the flow of information. History has proven Aaron right.

Aaron’s values of service, of championing open communication and advocating for those who aren’t represented by powerful interest groups or corporations continue to be a lodestone for me and so many others. We give Aaron our thanks and reaffirm our commitment to continue his march for freedom and a more just world.” — Ron Wyden, United States Senator.