Branson area remembers Charlie Kirk

Members of the community gathered to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, a political activist who was assassinated September 10 during a college speaking event.

On Sunday afternoon, September 21, people around the world were watching TPUSA: Building A Legacy, the memorial service for 31-year-old Charlie Kirk, In-person attendees packed State Farm Stadium plus an overflow facility in Glendale, Arizona, and online viewers tuned in worldwide for a memorial to the young man whose work sparked debate and, by most accounts, revival. 

Locally, an online viewing hosted by Branson’s Freedom Encounter theater was an amazing show of unity representing all age groups and several area churches and community groups. Many stayed for the entire five-plus hours of tributes, taking an occasional break to enjoy refreshments by The Rogue Chef or gather briefly in the lobby to chat with friends. 

Speakers at the service included personal and spiritual mentors of Kirk, key donors who believed in the determined young man as he started Turning Point USA at age 18, and familiar faces in conservative American patriotism, including several members of the Trump administration and the President himself. All shared their memories and impressions of Kirk’s commitment to free speech and the civil debate of ideas, pointing out that he did not hesitate to hand the microphone to those who disagreed with him. Without fail, all pointed out that Kirk’s commitment stemmed from his devoted and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that he always managed to point the conversation toward spiritual renewal as the true source of freedom. Kirk was recognized as one of the most prominent and influential members of the MAGA movement.

Christian music artist Chris Tomlin led opening worship, with enthusiastic audience participation both at the live event and in the local audience. Some were moved to tears as a team of Christian musicians led the huge crowd in singing “The Blessing,” in tribute and challenge to continue Charlie’s legacy. 

“This gathering is a revival celebrating our friend Charlie and our Lord Jesus Christ,” said U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, one of several speakers reminding those watching to ask themselves, “How would Charlie want us to engage?” with those whose less-than-polite discourse was, to Kirk, an indicator of their lost spiritual state. 

Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn challenged viewers to emulate Kirk’s commitment to learning, in order to be ready to answer questions and debate knowledgeably. He shared that Kirk completed 31 online Hillsdale courses to increase his understanding of history and classics while simultaneously developing his ministry, keeping up a heavy travel schedule, and being a devoted husband and father. 

Mrs. Erika Kirk took the stage to share her personal pain and shock over the last weeks, but with a demeanor described by one in-person attendee as both “vulnerable and fierce . . . broken and brave,” also shared the encouragement of seeing her husband’s murder ignite a revival. “I want to welcome those who have started a spiritual journey,” she said, reminding other believers to help them continue praying, reading their Bibles and find a church community. She echoed her husband’s frequent challenges to young men to “lead so they can serve,” encouraging them to marry, start a family, and step up to responsibility. 

For many attending and online hearers, the most touching moment of the memorial service was Mrs. Kirk’s citing Jesus’ example before saying of her husband’s killer, “I forgive him.”  

The final speaker for the service was President Donald Trump, prefaced by Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA.” The President shared about personal interactions with Charlie, including his shock when he heard the news, and thanked Erika for her example of grace and faith. He also acknowledged the tremendous spiritual impact: “This is like an old-time revival!” 

President Trump found a few light-hearted moments to share, joking about his attitude toward opponents in contrast to Charlie’s, but also thanked Kirk and TPUSA for helping lead a majority of young men to support Trump/Vance in 2024. Inviting Mrs. Kirk back to the stage for a touching moment of comfort and commitment, the President reminded people to stay faithful to what Charlie started, saying that “[his] prayers for America are already being answered.” 

After the memorial service, Darren Myers of Freedom Encounter led in prayer for the Kirk family, the TPUSA team, and for those gathered to renew their commitment to faith and defending America’s freedom in their own sphere of influence. 

Some area churches also hosted online viewings of the service, and approximately 200 people gathered for a candlelight vigil and prayer service at the Branson RecPlex on the Sunday evening following Kirk’s death. The event, hosted by Branson couples Jordan and Leah Pingleton and Billy and Hannah Ware, was deemed The Great Awakening, and brought area residents together in tears and prayer. Those in attendance shared testimonies, offered praise and thanksgiving to God, and prayed for our community and our country.

Kirk will be remembered as a martyr and an icon of conservatism. It is clear that many in the Branson area align with the values Kirk defended, and we at the Globe wish the Kirk family and the TPUSA team peace and strength in the days ahead.