Last Thursday, the Charlie Kirk memorial was held at the UCCU Center on the Utah Valley University campus, bringing together colleagues of Charlie Kirk along with students and supporters from Utah and beyond in a revival to carry on his legacy. The memorial reflected on Charlie Kirk’s spiritual beliefs as the backbone for his political convictions and called for continued grassroots action from students. Frank Turek, Michael Knowles, and Glenn Beck were joined on stage by leading members of Turning Point USA and local chapter presidency members.
Held exactly one year to the day Charlie Kirk was assassinated at the UVU campus, speakers covered a wide range of topics—his religious dedication, the importance of family and his passion for his country, even self-improvement and finding fulfillment in life. “Do the hard thing on purpose and with purpose before life makes you do it,” Glenn Beck urged. “Get knowledge. Get skills. Get the job. Get out of debt. Get in shape. Get married. Have children. Build.” The messages were well received by the crowd of thousands of eager students and parents, with applause and spontaneous standing ovations.
During the event, a larger-than-life bronze statue of Charlie was unveiled depicting him with legs casually crossed, sitting in a folding chair while holding a mic, showing him as inviting and approachable as he had been in life.
Many attendees were also present at the UVU event when Charlie Kirk was assassinated and suffered trauma from the experience. “I was 25 feet from him,” Turek said, “not only do I remember it, I cannot forget it if I wanted to forget it. The last person I think of before I wrestle myself to sleep is Charlie. Some people call that PTSD. It’s not a disorder. It’s normal. It should be that way.”
“There is a temptation at memorials to look only on the bright side,” Michael Knowles said at the event, “but it would be a disservice—it would be dishonest—not to reckon with the consequences of Charlie’s assassination–not to reckon with reality. And the reality is that American politics is simply worse because Charlie Kirk was assassinated.”
Turning Point chapter presidency members expressed the difficulty and hardship they have had to endure at their schools, but that Kirk’s legacy has been a great motivation to keep working hard in the movement. “Anger aimed at the restoration of justice, in proper order and intensity, guided by reason… is a virtue,” is how Knowles put it. “That anger should impel us to rectify those wrongs, to prosecute those who commit and threaten political violence, and to ostracize those who promote it. Those are political goods that can come from our anger.”
Soon after his assassination, Genesis 50:20 circulated on social media in association with Charlie Kirk, which says: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Certainly Charlie’s death, though tragic, has been just that.
Before the event, reports circulated of UVU student groups planning to disrupt the memorial. Online rumors of ANTIFA—a radical far-left group—planning to sabotage the event worried parents and prevented some students from attending. Extensive security precautions were taken to ensure the safety of attendees, and as a result, only an estimated 24 protesters were reported to be present outside the event, and only after the event had already begun.
A massive American flag hung in the courtyard where Charlie was assassinated and also served as a backdrop for a candlelight vigil held after the memorial. Under the flag lay bouquets and other tributes. A painting was displayed depicting Christ blessing Charlie Kirk, painted by Italian-born artist Giovanna Raccosta.
Near the end of his comments, Glenn Beck shared how Charlie Kirk wanted to be remembered. On the podcast The Iced Coffee Hour, Kirk said, “I want to be remembered for the courage of my faith.” “Charlie,” Beck said, “mission accomplished!” He then addressed the audience directly: “I want you to ask yourself tonight and every day: how do you want to be remembered… and live it in joy.”
Alexander Earley and his brother Lincoln co-authored this article. They are both freshman at John Adams College.
