Young Republicans hold vigil for Charlie Kirk in Valley
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
VALLEY — Local residents gathered Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Valley Sportsplex gymnasium for a vigil in remembrance of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The event, organized by the Young Republicans of Chambers County, featured speakers from regional chapters of Turning Point USA, the national organization Kirk founded to inform and mobilize conservative students on college campuses.
Fairfax First Baptist Church Associate Pastor of Worship and Student Ministry Chris Gagnon opened the vigil with an inspirational musical performance before the evening’s speakers took the stage.
Southern Union State Community College Turning Point USA Chapter President Parker Fuller addressed attendees first.
“What legacy will you leave behind?” Fuller asked. “I know that Charlie Kirk, the man we are all gathered to remember today, has left behind a powerful legacy. He fought until his very last breath and challenged us to hold fast to what is right even when the world pushes back against us. Charlie’s message can be summed up in three words that defined his life: faith, family and country. When Charlie Kirk was asked what he would like to be remembered for, he proudly said he wanted to be remembered for the courage of his faith. Charlie was an outstanding example of a man who always put God first and boldly proclaimed the word of God.”
Troy University Turning Point USA Chapter President Caitlyn Harris spoke next, sharing her personal reflections.
“When I first stepped into this role, I knew there were going to be challenges,” Harris said. “My best friend Vivian and I started the chapter not really knowing what the future would hold. It began with just the two of us — two girls with a dream and a whole lot of faith, standing together against the world to defend these truths we hold — all because we were inspired by a man named Charlie Kirk. Still, I never would have imagined the challenges and growth that would come with that, especially through the storm of Charlie’s passing. His death shook all of us, and it reminded me how much one life lived so boldly for the truth can touch countless others.”
Auburn University Turning Point USA Chapter President Jacob Roose closed the series of speeches.
“Thirteen years ago, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA to help identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government,” Roose said. “Not mentioned in that mission statement is his stance, and our stance, on the First Amendment and freedom of speech. I’m sure it’s clear now that we will defend this First Amendment with our lives at this point. Charlie was a strong believer in open discussion, as proven by his hundreds of trips to university campuses across the country. He left a bold mark on our nation — one that proves civil discussion is necessary to keep our republic strong.”
Fairfax First Baptist Church Senior Pastor Kevin Anglin concluded the event with a sermon. Young Republicans of Chambers County Chairman Jonathan Hodge then thanked attendees, and Gagnon returned to the stage to close with another musical performance.
