What Charlie Kirk taught me

By Will Witt

It’s hard to believe it has been a whole year without Charlie. Two nights ago, I stood with so many others at Utah Valley University to honor the man we lost and the legacy he left behind.

Freedom Built to Last: Honoring Charlie Kirk

You may not know my story, or how I met Charlie years ago. I want to share that so you can remember him the way I do: as a dear friend, a phenomenal man, and an American hero.

It all started at a small Turning Point USA chapter meeting at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I was inspired beyond belief. I quickly got involved, began skipping classes to debate students and professors on campus, and started building chapters across my home state of Colorado. Then, I was recruited as one of Turning Point USA’s first campus coordinators, and that’s when I met Charlie.

I was at a staff meeting, and I remember asking him what I could do to stop losing friends while still standing up for my beliefs so publicly. He told me when someone stops talking to you just because they disagree with you, they were never your friend in the first place.

Charlie believed in me long before anyone else did. He was always there for me, no matter what new path I took, ready to offer encouragement and advice. I will forever be grateful for that.

I know, without a doubt, what Charlie would tell me right now: “Don’t stop fighting.”

That’s something we kept hearing at the 1-year memorial on September 10th. I stood with thousands of patriots as Michael Knowles, Glenn Beck, the Turning Point USA chapter president, and other friends of Charlie’s spoke about his impact on America’s youth. No one believed in this generation more than Charlie. He challenged them to think critically, inspired them to love God and country, helped them find truth, and gave them a way to build a better future.

Freedom Built to Last: Honoring Charlie Kirk

But the greater tribute was the students who shared their stories about how Charlie redirected their lives, how his example gave them courage, and how they will keep building what he started.

Those students at the Turning Point USA chapter at Utah Valley University convinced me this generation will not fail Charlie and his belief that they could save America. They witnessed a horrible tragedy last year, but they never gave up. They returned to campus every day, ready to champion the values that built our country, and they continue to persevere.

I hope some of the thoughts and memories shared that day give you a better idea of how incredible a life Charlie lived, and how rare a man he was. If you missed the live stream, you can watch the 1-year memorial here.

Freedom Built to Last: Honoring Charlie Kirk

I want to share some final words from Charlie to keep with you on the road ahead: “I want you to commit yourself to a life of courage. Courage is committing yourself to the correct course of action regardless of the cost associated with it.”

Charlie’s courage changed America. Now, we must take courage as we keep fighting without him to save our great country.

For freedom & for Charlie,

Will Witt – TPUSA Contributor

From tpusa.com