Tuesday, Oct. 14, is a National Day of Remembrance for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and numerous conservative Turning Point USA chapters are hosting events to mark the occasion as the late activist is honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Today would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
President Donald Trump will posthumously award Kirk the Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony this evening. Kirk’s wife, Erika, is expected to attend the East Room event.
Events in honor of the slain activist are planned nationwide. In Michigan, a rally took place in September at the capitol.
Today, the Oakland County Republican party is hosting an event that includes Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Turning Point USA chapters at a number of college campuses also are hosting Medal of Freedom watch parties today.
Florida senator’s resolution honors Charlie Kirk
Tuesday, Oct. 14, has been designated as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, submitted a resolution in September calling for the designation, which the Senate approved.
A similar bill in the House was referred to a committee, where no action has been taken.
What did Senate Resolution 403 say about Charlie Kirk?
Senate Resolution 403 asked that Oct. 14, 2025, be designated as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, who would have been 32 this year.
By declaring Oct. 14 and a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, the resolution:
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Recognizes Charlie Kirk for his contributions to civic education and public service, and
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Encourages educational institutions, civic organizations, and citizens across the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities, prayers, and ceremonies that promote civic engagement and the principles of faith, liberty, and democracy that Charlie Kirk championed.
Read resolution honoring Charlie Kirk in its entirety
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House bill honoring Charlie Kirk sent to committee
House Resolution 727 — to designate today as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk was sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R, District 1 – Florida. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Is Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance a holiday?
No. The National Day of Remembrance to honor Charlie Kirk is not a federal holiday.
What events are slated in Michigan?
In Michigan, Kirk supporters are planning events. Some of the events include:
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The Oakland County Republican Party hosting an event at noon at 42611 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills. The event will include multiple speakers, including Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Senate candidate Mike Rogers.
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The Turning Point USA chapter at Michigan State University is hosting a Medal of Freedom watch party from 3:45-5:15 p.m. at Room B122 in Wells Hall.
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The Turning Point USA chapter at Northern Michigan University is hosting a Medal of Freedom watch party at 4 p.m. at Jamrich X. John Hall Room 1318.
Should flags be flown at half-staff Oct. 14?
Trump has not called for flags to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Flags were flown at half-staff immediately after Kirk’s assassination on Sept. 10.
Today is Charlie Kirk’s birthday. Who was Charlie Kirk?
Kirk, 31, a conservative influencer, was killed Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking in Orem, Utah, at Utah Valley University.
He didn’t have a college degree. But the conservative built what he called “the largest pro-American student organization in the country,” Turning Point USA, starting when he was 18.
At a Turning Point political rally in December 2024, a month after winning the presidential election, Donald Trump credited Kirk and Turning Point with his victory.
Kirk gained fame as a vocal critic of liberalism in education.
Kirk has been credited for inspiring and rallying young conservatives to fight (and vote) for personal freedom against what he called dangerous liberal ideas and seeking to open communications with his public debates, but he also outraged millions with his views on abortion, civil rights, gender issues, gay marriage and gun rights.
What is Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a white star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five gold eagles.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, according to the White House.
Created by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 as the Medal of Freedom, the medal was renamed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and became an honor at the sole discretion of the president.
The medal is a white star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five gold eagles. At the star’s center is a blue circle with 13 gold stars. The Presidential Medal of Freedom comes in two degrees, with the more prestigious version known as the Presidential Medal of Freedom “with distinction.”
How many people have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
Since 1963 and through January 2025, when former President Joe Biden named 19 honorees, 673 have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
How many people has President Donald Trump honored?
During his first term, President Trump honored 24 individuals with the medal. To date, that is the fewest among presidents.
How many people from Michigan have won the medal?
Since 1963, at least 12 individuals with Michigan ties have been honored.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Charlie Kirk National Day of Remembrance today. Events planned in Michigan
