The assassination of Charlie Kirk has impacted people across the country and around the world, including here in Logan County. With that in mind, a move to commemorate Kirk is underway, starting with the installation of a billboard along U.S. Route 33, and continuing Saturday evening, Sept. 20, with a tribute walk in Kirk’s memory.
“It’s just some people getting together to remember what Charlie was about,” Bellefontaine resident Julia Cook explained. Ironically, a discussion about updating the sign, which previously had a vote-for-Trump message, had already started earlier this month.
The aforementioned Trump sign was located on the property of John Horton Sr., which sits near U.S. 33, between County Road 10 and State Route 540, for about a year. Horton approached members of the former Trump Station about changing the sign while at the West Liberty Labor Day Festival on Sept. 1.
Ten days later, Kirk’s murder gave them the subject of the new sign and the impetus to get it done. Thanks to Horton’s support and other contributions, the sign was installed on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Saturday, Sept. 20, the group has acquired a permit from the city to host a vigil, beginning with a gathering between 7:30 and 8 p.m. at the fountain in front of the Logan County Courthouse. Attendees are encouraged to take a light, lantern or battery candles and any signs they’d like to carry.
Pastor John R. James will open the vigil, and then a few songs are planned as well, including the National Anthem.
Then the group plans to “walk through town, staying on the sidewalks. Each person can decide how long they want to walk. We will obey all traffic lights.
“The program will be over when we begin the walk, so we will not be gathering back at the fountain,” organizers said.
Bellefontaine resident Julia Cook has been involved in the work to commemorate Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk loved America,” Cook said, then added, “He was also a martyr for his faith. Everywhere he went he talked about his love for Jesus Christ our Savior. This is what we hope people remember when they drive past this sign.”
The new sign was purchased by Cook, Ben Neer and Steve and Cindy Harris. Horton’s son John helped install it with his dad there to oversee the project. They also added flags to represent freedom, the word on Kirk’s t-shirt when he was killed.
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA and hosted a podcast, was known for his debates with college students about current issues, was at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his American Comeback Tour when he was murdered by an assassin’s bullet on Wednesday, Sept. 10. A suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder after a 33-hour manhunt.
Cook also went to Mayor Dave Crissman’s office to submit a request to hold a vigil for Kirk on Saturday night, Sept. 20. The Examiner will provide additional information as it becomes available.
To stay updated on this local group’s efforts to remember Kirk, visit the Trump Station – Bellefontaine, OH, Facebook page.
