Erika Kirk spoke at a memorial service for her late husband, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, in an emotional tribute attended by many prominent figures. She began by sharing a favorite Bible verse of Charlie’s, reflecting on his mission to guide young men. “Charlie wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said, showing her compassionate view towards the alleged assassin. Tyler Robinson, the young man accused of killing Charlie, symbolizes the very struggles Charlie made it his life’s work to address.
The service took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Erika expressed her gratitude to the audience for honoring her husband. She recounted their personal moments, including a conversation before one of Charlie’s speeches, where he quoted Isaiah 6:8. She cautioned him about the power of such declarations. “God will take you up on that, and He did,” she remarked, a reminder of how earnest her husband was in answering calls to action.
Erika also shared the harrowing experience of seeing Charlie’s body for the first time after his untimely death. In a powerful statement, she relayed, “I looked directly at my husband’s murdered body. I saw the wound that ended his life.” The vivid emotions of shock and heartache were palpable as she described viewing the faint smile on his lips, a sign for her that Charlie did not suffer as a result of the violence that took his life. “Even the doctor told me it was something so instant that nothing could have been done,” she recalled.
Through tears and laughter, she celebrated their marriage, highlighting a ritual that cemented their bond. Charlie wrote her love notes every Saturday, where he shared highlights from his week and expressed his devotion. He often ended these notes by asking how he could better serve her. “Our little secret,” Erika shared, emphasizing the importance of those small gestures in maintaining their relationship despite the pressures of his demanding schedule.
Faith was central to both Erika’s and Charlie’s lives. Erika revealed that Charlie kept a journal, documenting important moments, and one entry particularly resonated: “Every time you make a decision, it puts a mark on your soul.” She encouraged attendees who might be on the verge of a spiritual journey to embrace their decisions, welcoming them with open arms.
Erika emphasized Charlie’s relentless work ethic, stating, “He did 100% of what he could every day.” Charlie lived without regrets, according to Erika, although she acknowledged that his work was incomplete. “Charlie died with incomplete work, but not with unfinished business,” she shared, illustrating her respect for his unwavering commitment to his mission.
Towards the close of her speech, Erika expressed her intention to carry on Charlie’s legacy as she steps into her new role as the CEO of Turning Point USA. “Everything that Turning Point USA built through Charlie’s vision and hard work, we will make ten times greater through the power of his memory,” she declared. She assured the crowd, “No assassin will ever stop us from standing up to defend those rights.” In a moving tribute to both her husband and their shared purpose, Erika’s remarks resonated with resolve, fullness of heart, and unwavering commitment to a cause dear to them both.
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