In memory of Charlie Kirk: Students gather to honor his life

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By Brooke Brinker, Social Media Manager

The Saint Leo University chapter of Turning Point USA hosted a memorial on Sept. 16 for Charlie Kirk in the in the SCC Boardrooms. There were many students and faculty who went in honor of Charlie Kirk.

On September 10, Charlie Kirk, a political activist, and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated at Utah Valley University. Kirk was speaking to college students and answering the questions they had at the time when he got shot in the neck at 12:23 p.m.

The memorial started off with the obituary of Charlie Kirk, as well as a prayer in which was prayed together as a community. Then, the national anthem was sung beautifully.

Photo of Charlie Kirk and his family were in the front of the room to honor him. (Photo was taken by Brooke Brinker)

Continuing, Turning Point USA members, Pastor Ricky Draper of Providence Baptist Church, and others gave encouraging and uplifting speeches.

“When I die, bury me in red and with my Bible, because I have a rally and a Bible study to attend,” said Erin Romano, President of Turning Point USA at Saint Leo University.

The speeches that were spoken were focused on Jesus Christ and how we can make a difference. The main points of the messages were that we should have courage, be bold in our faith and use our voices to spread the truth just like Kirk did. The words that were spoken were truly inspiring and emotional.

In the middle of the Memorial, Amazing Grace was sung by Alina Rivera, the founder of the chapter, who is a Turning Point USA Alumni. There were children at the memorial, and they handed out candles for all the people who came. Then, there was a candlelight service, followed by a moment of silence to honor Kirk.

During her speech, Rivera said, “Pray without ceasing”, which is 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in the Bible.

Towards the end, there was an open mic where students and faculty had one minute to talk about how Charlie Kirk inspired their lives, what they learned from him, and their experiences meeting him.

Many of them said that they started chapters of Turning Point USA at their high schools and colleges, and how Kirk inspired them to speak about what they believe in.

Erin Romano gave her encouraging speech to students and faculty that touched many people’s hearts. (Photo was taken by Brooke Brinker)

Everyone in the room had a candle lit in their hand to honor Kirk, during the song, “Amazing Grace.” (Photo was taken by Brooke Brinker)

The national anthem was sung before the memorial began. (Photo was taken by Brooke Brinker)

Overall, the memorial was a success. The room was filled with people who Charlie Kirk inspired. It was a great way to gather together and talk about how Charlie Kirk encouraged and helped many people. He will be dearly missed by so many.

Before his death, Kirk was interviewed by Jack Selby on a podcast called “The Iced Coffee Hour” and was asked the question, “If you could be associated with one thing, how would you want to be remembered?”

Kirk answered, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing in my life is my faith.”

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