GLENDALE, AZ—On September 20, a memorial for Christian activist, Charlie Kirk took place at State Farm stadium featuring speakers from Turning Point USA, including, Charlie Kirk’s wife, and new director of TPUSA, Vice President JD Vance, Dr. Ben Carson, President Trump, and a host of others in remembrance of a man that gave all, not by military actions, but for exercising his first amendment right of freedom of speech.
State Farm Stadium can seat 63,400 people with unobstructed views, 73,000 for larger events. The memorial was said to be attended by at least 85,000-90,000 people plus approximately a million others who attended virtually (watched) via livestream.
The event confirmed the claim that TPUSA is the fastest-growing movement in America. It sparked smaller memorials, and vehicle processions in honor of the late Charlie Kirk that have taken place nationwide.
Attendees, radio talk show hosts, and other spectators all agreed that the most captivating speech was the one made by Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. She spoke for just under 30 minutes, and about 22 minutes in, she awed the country with her words.
…” My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life. That young man, the young man on the cross, our Savior said, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.’ That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and that is what Charlie would do.
The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
When Charlie Kirk spoke, he spoke of his faith in God, his conservative views, and doing the right thing. He was murdered while doing what he was famous for, challenging young people to become the best versions of themselves. He has been described by many as a modern-day martyr because he died for his faith.
