Faith. Family. Freedom. These three words capture the spirit of the messages shared within the halls of the Utah State Capitol Building during a memorial service held in honor of Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday. The event, hosted by TPUSA at BYU and TPUSA UVU, brought together student speakers from local TPUSA chapters, state representatives, and Brandon Gill, the youngest Republican member of Congress, to commemorate the life and legacy of Charlie. Rows of students, excited to carry on Charlie’s mission, filled the elegant Capitol Rotunda. Overhead, sprawling murals depicting Utah’s rich pioneer history complemented the event’s hopeful and energetic atmosphere. The Capitol’s marble corridors echoed with patriotic applause as speakers paid tribute to Charlie and the Judeo-Christian values he died defending.
Faith infused nearly every speaker’s message as they took inspiration from the deeply religious founding of the United States. They described how, from devoted Pilgrim voyages to recent efforts at Christian revival, America has always been one nation under God, united in devotion to the Almighty despite theological differences. Several speakers appealed to this unique legacy, highlighting how that faith continues to shine brightly amid recent events and political turmoil. One student speaker, Brandon Marshall, described how, during America’s bloody Civil War, the words “In God we trust” began to appear on US currency. Since then, that mantra has been woven into the heart of America’s institutions and continues to define her in the modern era. “In God we trust is not just a motto, it’s a way of life,” Brandon asserted.
In an Instagram post earlier this year, Kirk wrote, “having a family will change your life in the best ways, so get married and have kids.” Echoing Charlie’s pro-family sentiment, many speakers testified that strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build strong nations. Two speakers recalled how they had been encouraged by Charlie’s efforts to persuade young Americans to pursue marriage and family. Rather than conform to typical matrimonial messages of the day, they chose instead to start families at a young age, experiencing joy and fulfillment as they courted strong, patriotic, and faithful spouses with whom they could build enduring family relationships. They noted that conservatism is not just about being “against,” but also being “for”; for families, for strong marriages, and for raising children in love and truth.
Written on Charlie’s shirt the day of the assassination was one stirring word: Freedom. Many speakers expounded on that simple, powerful word, teaching that preserving freedom requires bravery amidst adversity, courage over fear, and grassroots action rather than indifference and political cynicism. In the words of many who spoke, Charlie’s horrific political execution acted as a catalyst for their political advocacy. Before the UVU event, many confessed that they had hidden or minimized their conservative views. Yet, the sound of his mic clattering to the ground became a wake-up call for them to either choose silence or boldly proclaim what Charlie Kirk stood for. As student speaker Jocelyn Osmond reiterated, it was to choose liberty or death.
One speaker quoted President Ezra Taft Benson’s speech on the preservation of the United States Constitution, when he prophesied: “[The constitution] will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—men and women who will subscribe to and abide by the principles of the Constitution.” This highlights the grassroots nature of Turning Point USA, as well as the broader conservative movement following Kirk’s assassination. There is a clear need for action, and the youth are taking up the charge. Across college campuses all over the country, people are rallying to the values Charlie Kirk cherished as he served the nation he loved and died for.
America’s youth, especially fired-up patriots on both UVU and BYU campuses, are rising to this moment. Aubree Farmer, president of TPUSA at BYU and eyewitness to Kirk’s death, stated that she felt divinely called to do something to make a difference after the assassination. Thousands are joining the movement Charlie began, laying aside their fears to pick up the mic he left behind. That freedom-oriented excitement was abundant at TPUSA’s Capitol event and, as many speakers expressed, represents a turning point in our nation’s history. If there is one overarching message of the event, it is this: Charlie Kirk’s legacy compels us to actively engage in our country’s political future as we defend our faith, our families, and our freedom.
Cover Photo Source: TPUSA BYU and UVU
