Red, White, and Blueberries: FC Remembers and Celebrates Charlie Kirk
- Terri Carter
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
A tidal wave of red flooded the grounds at the Red Roof Pavilion last Tuesday night to honor the life of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. According to drone footage, close to 500 people gathered together on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. The event was part of a bigger movement that has been happening throughout the nation since the assassination of the activist on September 10th of this year. The evening included musical entertainment, special guest speakers, and a candlelight vigil. Guest speakers included two local pastors, a local chaplain, and a past president of the Turning Point USA Chapter for the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
As Franklin County community members gathered on the grounds with lawn chairs and blankets in tow, the evening began with musical entertainment from The Unstoppable Church followed by a moment of silence. Franklin County Republican Party Chairman Roger Vetitoe stepped to the podium to deliver a warm welcome and show gratitude for those involved in bringing the event together. Welcoming everyone on behalf of the City of Winchester and the Franklin County Republican Party, he expressed appreciation for the locals and out-of-towners from far and wide who came to participate in the community event.
“We could not have found a more beautiful place and a more beautiful evening to show our support for Charlie Kirk.”, stated Vetitoe. “I want to thank our amazing band. I want to thank all of our speakers for tonight. And I want to also thank the Winchester Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for keeping everyone safe here tonight.”.
Vetitoe continued by expressing gratitude for all of the volunteers and recognizing all of the elected officials in attendance. He spoke of Charlie Kirk, stating how the evening was not only an evening to grieve, but an evening to celebrate.
“We come from different walks of life, different backgrounds, with different stories.”, said Vetitoe. “But we are all united in this evening by one purpose. And that’s to honor Charlie’s life, his vision, and the torch he carried so boldly forward. In moments of sadness and loss, community matters. It is in gatherings like this that grief is transformed into resolve.”
The first special guest speaker was Josh Konrad from Abundant Life Church. Standing true to his usual position behind the pulpit, the pastor delivered a message of faith, hope, and courage.
“Tonight, we gather to honor and to remember a man who refused to be silent when truth was on the line.”, stated Konrad. “Charlie Kirk’s boldness, his passion, and his unwavering convictions have impacted an entire generation. Regardless of what narrative the media has tried to spin, the reality is this. Charlie’s message resonated across a multiplicity of demographics. He was courageous. He was relentless. And was unafraid to stand toe-to-toe with the societal giants of cultural darkness.”
Konrad honored Kirk, stating that the activist had stepped in to the public square, hostility, hatred, and cultural firestorm to declare that truth was still worth defending, refusing to bow at the altar of political correctness.
“And he did it knowing the cost.”, said Konrad. “He was willing to risk his reputation, his safety, and his comfort because he believed that truth, God’s truth, is worth fighting for. And tonight, that same question stands before all of us. Will we fight for it, too?”
Konrad closed his speech by expressing grief, yet hope, following the assassination of Kirk. He encouraged the attendees to use their voices and to be courageous in the name of their faith.
“Hear me. What the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. Because the blood of the righteous has always been the seed for revival.”, stated the pastor.
Following Konrad was Abundant Life Church’s Worship Leader, Lindsay Konrad, who performed a worship song before handing the stage to the next speaker, Robert Tipps. Tipps, who is a minister at the Capitol Hill Church of Christ, delivered a sermon on the importance of being remembered for one’s faith, as Charlie Kirk had said he wanted to be, and the significance of leading others to Jesus Christ.
“God has always required his people to walk by faith.”, stated Tipps. “Remember what the Lord said in his word. That whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give honor to him. And tonight, you’re giving honor to him.”
The minister described Kirk as arguably one of the finest debaters of his generation, and perhaps of all time, adding that his assassination was not only a personal tragedy but also an attack on the First Amendment rights of all Americans.
“Charlie said God, family, country.”, said Tipps. “Where are your eyes at tonight? What are they fixed on? Where is your faith at tonight? I promise you, if you put God first and your family second, your country will be above where it is today.”
Following the message from Tipps was another musical performance by award winning Christian artist Michael Corin, who performed his original patriotic song entitled American Prophecy. The next guest speaker was Chaplain Phil Cleek. Cleek stated that he had felt lead to tell his own story and shared his faithful journey with the crowd.
Cleek shared his journey from non-believer to devoted chaplain, crediting a pastor who, he said, not only asked thoughtful questions but truly listened. Though his wife took the leap of faith before he did, Cleek said he was deeply moved by witnessing her spiritual growth and found inspiration in her walk with the Lord.
“I’m standing in my shower and, it wasn’t any magic words I said or anything. I just got serious with God.”, stated Cleek. “I told God that if he was out there, I really wanted him in my life. And he came into my life and he completely, totally changed my life.”
“I didn’t know if he was out there. But I tell you, beyond the shadow of a doubt, I know he’s out there. I know he loves me. And I know if I died today, I would go to Heaven. I know because of Charlie Kirk’s witness that he could go to Heaven. And I know that, no matter what you’ve done, you can go to Heaven.”
The last speaker of the evening was the past president of University of Alabama-Huntsville’s Turning Point USA Chapter, Tyler Robertson. Robertson delivered a message of patriotism, faith, and hope, honoring Charlie Kirk and the legacy he left behind.
“There is something particularly vile about murder that takes place in unsuspecting public against someone speaking in the free market of ideas.”, stated Robertson. “And then killing a man known for his Christian values, they attacked not only Charlie Kirk or free speech, but Christianity itself. In that sense, Charlie Kirk is a true Christian martyr.”
The evening concluded with volunteers handing out and lighting candles as music filled the air and the sun had set over Tims Ford Lake. Residents of Franklin County and beyond came together for the community event, honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, the values he so loyally defended, and the legacy that will carry on. The event marked a first for the community and the Franklin County Republican Party intends to make it an annual tradition.
