Few figures in modern American history have exerted as much cultural, religious and political influence as Charlie Kirk, a visionary who inspired a generation, particularly young men, to lead lives of virtue, faith and service. As we commemorate a year since his tragic assassination, we must remember that Charlie died the way he lived: engaging others in civil debate where his weapon of choice was not a gun but a microphone.
Charlie “died with a microphone in his hand,” as Bishop Robert Barron wrote shortly after his death. The words he spoke through this microphone were more powerful and ultimately more transformative than the bullet that ended his earthly life.
Before his life was taken, Charlie was asked how he wanted to be remembered. He responded, “courage for my faith.” On this first anniversary of Charlie’s death, we should remember him exactly as he wished.
Charlie was a husband, a father and a patriot, but first and foremost he was a servant of God, and he was not afraid to say so.
In a society where permissiveness and self-fulfillment are lauded as virtues and the ego is regarded as the primum mobile, Charlie stood apart. He kindly encouraged his generation to pursue something greater than themselves: to remain pure, marry young, have large families, serve others and stay together.
Not surprisingly, Charlie’s spread of the Gospel threatened some, offended others and ultimately cost him his life. But his was a life lived courageously for his faith.
Some call Charlie a modern-day founding father. The parallels are unmistakable.
Our founders are often remembered for their courage and their faith, qualities which Thomas Jefferson captured brilliantly in the final words of the Declaration of Independence: “With a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” These words convey more than the resolute courage of a young nation declaring its independence from the yoke of a foreign power. They also reflect a humble recognition that the same nation depends upon God’s protection.
It was for this reason that another American patriot, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, whom the Catholic Church will soon beatify, insightfully observed that the Declaration was one of dependence as much as it was one of independence.
Throughout history, some of our nation’s most consequential leaders have been remarkably young when they made their mark. Jefferson was 33 when he penned the Declaration. Alexander Hamilton was 33 when he wrote 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers. James Madison was 36 when he earned the title “Father of the Constitution”at the 1787 Constitutional Convention. And Charlie Kirk was 31 when, after founding Turning Point USA and molding it into perhaps the most influential cultural and political movement in the country, he courageously gave his life for his students, his country and his faith.
Yes, Charlie Kirk died with a microphone in his hand. But his words, his courageous spirit and his willingness to engage all in civil debate with charity and kindness will now live on for eternity.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May God bless Charlie Kirk.
State Rep. Gino Bulso represents District 61 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Williamson County.