Charlie Kirk’s Anniversary Celebrated in Glendale, Arizona

On the anniversary of Charlie Kirk, supporters gathered outside Arizona State Farm Stadium, sharing their reflections on the Turning Point USA founder’s influence in their lives. The attendance swelled from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, featuring a diverse group that included students from Grand Canyon University (GCU), who highlighted Kirk’s impact on their education.

Riley, a GCU student from Wisconsin, expressed how Kirk motivated her to enroll and engage with peers. “He really cared for the younger generation,” she remarked. “Our school truly loves him, and our Turning Point chapter is active here.” She started following Kirk’s work leading up to the 2024 election and explained her journey to voting for Donald Trump, saying, “It was all pretty confusing, but Charlie helped clarify my questions.” Riley found his respectful discussions particularly motivating.

As for the message she would share, Riley emphasized that followers should ensure Kirk’s legacy continues. “Never let your voice die. That’s what he was about,” she stated, noting that Kirk had ignited a passion in many, driving them to advocate for his cause.

In the wake of Kirk’s death, many, including family and friends, have spoken about his unwavering faith. His wife, Erica Kirk, recently underscored how vital his relationship with God was to his message for students.

Another GCU student, Claire from Washington, attended to honor Kirk’s mission, sharing her own faith as a Christian. “His commitment to college students was inspiring. It’s an honor to pay tribute to him,” she said. Claire believes this moment could be pivotal for the younger generation, stating, “I think it represents a historic shift for our country.”

Claire also noted that while Kirk may not have been involved in TPUSA on campus, his legacy has inspired a reconsideration of involvement since his passing.

Kirk gained prominence by confronting political issues faced by students on campuses across the U.S. His conversations often gained traction online, particularly as he engaged with liberal students on topics like abortion and gender identity.

Others, like Mark from Michigan, expressed a deep sense of honor for attending the memorial. Describing the emotional experience, he said, “It’s remarkable to see so many devoted patriots here.” He felt a connection to the faith and patriotism shared among attendees.

Lawrence Rigas, a Chicago native and early TPUSA supporter, shared his personal interactions with Kirk, which included discussions on funding for child psychologists. “Legends don’t die,” Rigas reflected. “Charlie is reshaping America now.”

As the day unfolded, participants honored Kirk’s memory while also expressing optimism about the future of TPUSA. A recent post revealed that the organization had received over 62,000 inquiries from students nationwide wanting to start or join chapters.