By Kenneth Books
Some 75 residents of Niceville and nearby communities gathered at Faith Independent Baptist Church
on Valparaiso Boulevard Tuesday, Oct. 14, which would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday, for a celebration of the legacy of assassinated speaker and Christian Charlie Kirk. The event was sponsored by the West Florida Young Republicans, whose vice president, Nathan Dipetro, opened the celebration with a stirring reminder of what Kirk stood for.
Kirk, the founder of the conservative, Christian student organization Turning Point USA in 2012 was assassinated by a lone sniper Sept. 10, while speaking at a TPUSA public debate event on the Utah Valley University campus. His death garnered international attention and led to the condemnation of political violence by prominent domestic and international figures.
“We’re here to remember Charlie’s birthday and his life,” Dipetro said, “and his legacy. Not just what he did, but what he inspired people to do.”
The event drew an eclectic mix of individuals, families, races and ages.
“We love Charlie Kirk,” said Brian Miles, who attended with his wife, Clara. “This is another opportunity to pray for him and for his family.”
Clara Miles agreed. “I can’t believe he’s gone,” she said. “It’s so senseless. I feel that God’s still with him and his movement.”
Colby and Marlana Stewart said they were simply there “for Charlie. And to learn more about his movement. Their 9-year-old daughter, Mazzy, added that “My mom used to watch him all the time.”
Another patron, Tabatha Schaefer, said she was there to pay her respects because “I believe in what he stood for and his faith and to honor his family.”
A parade of speakers addressed the crowd regarding the meaning of Kirk’s life, organization and faith.
“Charlie Kirk’s assassination has been my generation’s 9/11,” said West Florida Young Republican John Franklin. “No one can replace Charlie Kirk… but we can all try to be like Charlie.”
He likened Kirk’s mission to that of Isaiah, chapter 6, verse 8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!”
Former Green Beret John Frankman said he’s seen an eruption of faith due to Kirk. “More politicians are talking about Jesus Christ than before,” he said, urging the crowd, “Don’t separate your faith and your politics.”
DiPetro delivered a heartfelt talk about Kirk and his legacy.
“I’ve been asked ‘What can my generation do?’” he said. “That’s the hardest question. (Kirk) was shot because he confidently defended the truth.” He compared Kirk to heroes of the Christian fait—Daniel of the Bible, Smyrna Christian bishop Polycarp who refused to deny Christ, Bible translator John Tyndall, Plymouth Pilgrim William Bradford who created the Mayflower Compact which guaranteed individual liberty, and Elijah Lovejoy, a Presbyterian minister, editor and abolitionist before the Civil War.
Faith Independent Baptist church pastor Dr. Doug Stauffer said he sees “hope for America. Not just as conservatives, not just as Christians. Your true legacy is what outlives you for God’s glory. Charlie said truth matters. Charlie didn’t hate. He believed America’s greatest hope was through revival. Charlie’s active voice may be silenced, but his message lives on.”
Journalist and public speaker Ron Martin reminded the crowd that “You must commit to doing what you can where you are. When he started, Charlie wasn’t anybody. I remember when he realized his faith was key.
“Charlie showed up because even leaders need leaders. We will show up and stand up. That’s how we will honor Charlie,” he continued. “You have to be willing to stand for something that matters.”
President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Oct. 14 at the White House. He held the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, with members of TPUSA, as well as friends and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, attending.
