It's only given to those who have made particularly noble contributions to the United States. Charlie was a patriot and a lover of freedom, but these things alone are not notable. It was his actions in service to his nation that are meritorious and so worthy of this highest honor.
As a young man, he saw a national population in turmoil. People of his generation were wandering like proverbial lemmings straight off a cliff. Faith was declining, but suicide was rising, love of country was withering, while self-hatred ascended.
Armed with faith, a boundless curiosity, a fearless heart, and a willingness to engage anyone in peaceful dialogue, Charlie stepped out into the fray. In the month since his murder, global leaders have spoken about his courageous spirit, so too have his friends and long-time collaborators in the fight for the soul of America's youth.
Many Americans who were disgusted by the leftist celebration of Charlie's death took a look at his content for the first time and discovered his strength, thoughtful conversations, and unwavering faith in God and our country. This is a message that is far more helpful and true for young people than any of the trite, affirming nonsense coming from leftist activists, Hollywood, Democrats, therapists, or those ubiquitous school guidance counselors.
Charlie told America's kids to take charge of their lives, stand up for themselves and their nation, seek faith, and stand on truth. It's a hard message to hear for so many who have been indoctrinated into the idea that they are victims of never-ending oppression, but it is an urgent one.
Charlie formed Turning Point USA, bringing faith formation, dedication, and patriotism to universities and high schools. He stood up before crowds of college students—risking his life—to let teens and young adults know that they walk the earth with weight. He told them that their lives and future matter, and that a life of value is not one of materialism but of service and responsibility.
From here, America has a choice. Do we press on with the message of freedom, faith, and liberty, or do we cower? Do we stand up for our country despite the insults, cancellations, and bullets, or do we let those who attempt to use violence to control us have their way?
There is fear, but there is also courage. While the first impulse after Charlie's murder was to hunker down, cancel appearances, and take to the airwaves instead of the streets, what we've seen in recent weeks is the reversal of that early trend.
One man was silenced, left to live on in a legacy of video clips and in the hearts and minds of his supporters, but those who knew him, and those new friends forged in the fire of an assassin's bullet, are finding new strength.
In the midst of the most significant assassination and Christian martyrdom of our lifetimes, Charlie's legacy has left an impact none thought previously possible. While Charlie crafted numerous futures through Turning Point USA and his efforts to combat the indoctrination of Generation Z, likely birthing many young conservatives who will become their own voting bloc, he also changed the present.
The openness of conservatives' alignment with their Christian faith is now more prominent than ever before. More chapters of TPUSA are being founded across college and high school campuses than was even believed possible just a few months ago. Most importantly, even church attendance for the average, everyday American, to whom Charlie spoke the most, is increasing in percentage.
The unabashedness of Christian conservatism has arisen from the ashes and become the new identity of many Americans in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's martyrdom. He has created a new wing of the conservative movement that will carry his legacy through the next several decades and has emboldened Christians in America to stand for God.
Charlie said that he would want to be remembered for his courage and his faith. Well, he is being remembered for that specifically and so much more for what he's done for our nation and its people.
Congratulations on the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Charlie. You deserve it more than anyone else on God's green earth.
We miss you, and happy thirty-second birthday, friend.
