Far too soon, Charlie Kirk was taken from us by an act of evil. America lost one of its most faithful patriots. The conservative and MAGA movements lost one of their most fearless leaders, and I lost a friend.
Foster Friess introduced me to Charlie Kirk at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2013. Foster – himself known for having one of the most ebullient and charismatic personalities you’d ever hope to come across – was so excited about Charlie’s energy and enthusiasm that it really touched me. I pledged to Foster that, of course, I would do what I could to help Charlie.
Over the years I have helped as I could. Honestly, Charlie did not need much help from me. He was one of the most talented and gifted activists and communicators I have ever had the honor of knowing.
The Turning Point campus in Arizona is absolutely beautiful. Charlie’s team is large and dedicated. It works tirelessly on behalf of our constitutional government. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of his team members over the years. I have spent more time on their campus than on any workplace not my own, because Charlie made it so easy. He was gracious enough to allow my team and me to use his office as a second home when we had to be in Arizona. Every time I set foot on the campus, I was inspired to do better and to be better, and every time I left the campus, I found myself scanning ahead in my day planner to see how long it would be before I was back for my next visit.
The school and college chapters Charlie’s Turning Point USA created became places where young students could assemble together to express and discuss their beliefs. The students were empowered and equipped to challenge the mainstream narrative on their campuses. The chapters gave students help to keep alive the fire of liberty for the next generation. I know from my own personal experience how valuable this support structure could be to a young student – I watched the support TPUSA gave to my daughter as she started a conservative club at her high school and then as she joined the Executive Board of her college’s TPUSA chapter. From top to bottom, Charlie and his team run a world class organization.
It’s hard to take in, but Charlie accomplished all this in just a few short years. Charlie should have had decades ahead of him left to continue to grow his organization, advance the conservative and MAGA movements, and to spend time as a husband and father.
The assassin stole that future from Charlie; from his wife, children, and family; from his employees; from students who could have continued to learn from the posts, videos, discussions and debates Charlie posted and in which he engaged; and from his partners in the conservative and MAGA movements.
One of his most admirable qualities was that Charlie was fearless – utterly fearless. He was, truly, a happy warrior. He had an infectious smile. He was a Christian who lived his life as an example to others, so they could know what kind of joy, comfort, and confidence living with Christ can bring to one’s life. Charlie was an American who knew the United States of America is the greatest country in the history of the world. He knew he had been blessed on many levels, and he wanted to share that blessing with everyone around him.
I’m so thankful that Foster introduced me to Charlie and encouraged my friendship with Charlie. Foster died in 2021. Charlie gave one of the eulogies at Foster’s funeral. Afterwards, he hugged me, and we comforted one another that day.
Now, like Foster, Charlie is no longer with us. I’m going to miss him. I’ll remember his infectious smile and love of country, and I’ll remember his love of Jesus Christ.
I’ll remember his commitment to excellence, and I’ll remember his determination to preserve and strengthen our constitutional government.
I’ll remember his love for his wife and children, and for his friends and colleagues, and for his country.
We can all honor Charlie and his memory by deepening our relationship with Christ, that we might better love our families, and better stand up for liberty in America. It’s what he would want, and it’s so like him – even in leaving his earthly life behind, his wish is for our betterment.
Jenny Beth Martin is Honorary Chairman of Tea Party Patriots Action.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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