Yesterday, on what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, leaders at both the national and state level took the time to honor Kirk’s legacy and encourage the next generation of conservatives.
Tuesday morning, President Trump returned to the U.S. from Israel after celebrating the long-awaited ceasefire agreement finally achieved between Israel and Hamas. Trump said, “I was going to call Erika and say, ‘Erika, could you maybe move [the ceremony] to Friday?’ I didn’t have the courage to call. But you know why I didn’t call? Because I heard today was Charlie’s birthday.”
Instead of rescheduling, Trump rushed to the ceremony where he announced: “This afternoon it is my privilege to posthumously award Charles James Kirk our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was created by President Harry S. Truman in 1945. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11085 which allows the President to recognize “any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Back in Alaska, Governor Dunleavy held a special meeting at his office with TPUSA-UAA President Jack Thompson and chapter members Charlotte Bockelman and Asa Utic. The Governor presented the students with his proclamation recognizing Charlie Kirk’s birthday as “Charlie Kirk Day.” He also encouraged the students to debate with others and share their philosophy and beliefs, even though it may be uncomfortable or daunting in today’s highly polarized society. He also spoke on America’s foundational principles and how young conservatives can continue what this country stands for. When the students told the governor they are still looking for a professor to sponsor their TPUSA chapter, Dunleavy suggested maybe he could become an adjunct and sponsor them.
Jack Thompson reflected on Dunleavy’s message: “He talked about the challenges we will face, the resistance we will meet, and how to keep our composure when others lose theirs… He told us to stay magnanimous when met with self-obsession, to lead with conviction, and to never back down from what we know is right… As our chapter grows, I want us to keep that message close: that leadership is not about titles or applause but about showing up for our state and country when it matters most.”
After meeting with the governor, the students went to E Street Theater to watch the President grant the Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk.