On Tuesday, the White House honored the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk on the late TPUSA founder’s birthday, bestowing him with the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
President Trump gave remarks on Kirk and his life and the effect he made on America’s youth.
“He had great enthusiasm to be successful. He fought for free speech, religious liberty, strong borders and a very strong and proud America. He became the leader of historic movements all over the country… Everything he did was historic. A true evangelist for the cause of freedom and the word of almighty God,” Trump said.
Once he finished his speech, President Trump bestowed the Medal of Freedom to Erika Kirk, who accepted it on her husband’s behalf. She then gave a passionate address about her husband’s life and impact.
Of particular emphasis in her remarks was Charlie’s gentleness in his approach to the fatherhood of two young children, and the simplicity of his preferences in daily life.
“Mr. President, you have given him the best birthday gift that he could have,” she said, relating that in the past year attending the Oregon vs. Ohio State college football game–which Oregon won–was one of Charlie’s favorite birthday gifts in life.
Transitioning to his life’s mission, and the values that drove it, Kirk discussed her husband’s love of freedom, saying that the shirt he was wearing on the day of his passing was a “declaration.”
“The same declaration he made in every speech, every campus visit, every time he shared the gospel at a church, every sleepless night that he would spend praying for the youth of this nation and planning for the future of our country and just pressing upon them that when we defend liberty, we defend the soul of our nation,” she said. “My husband never told anyone what to say. He never did… He would just encourage them to think. He would encourage them to think outside of the traditional political labels.”
Charlie encouraged people to think in a way anchored in wisdom and truth, while simultaneously not telling people what to say, Kirk noted.
“God began a mighty work for my husband and I intend to see it through. And the torch is in our hands now. It’s in mine. It’s in yours. It’s in all of yours. It’s in all the students with Turning Point USA.”
“To live free is the greatest gift, to die free is the greatest victory,” Kirk said as she closed, wishing her husband a happy birthday.
