Roughly 200 Sitka residents turned out for a candlelight vigil to honor slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on Sept. 10 during a college speaking event in Utah.
The hour long service included prayers, singing and a few reflections. It was one of many gatherings across Alaska and around the nation over the past week.
“The event was organized with much concern for safety, logistics and the delivery of the right message,” Sitka resident Dawn Young noted. “We wrestled with making the vigil about unity for our nation but ultimately came back around to the reality of it being in honor of Charlie Kirk. To do otherwise would be disingenuous, although there was praying for the unity of our nation.”
Organizers reached out to religious leaders and community members to provide security, drone coverage and prayers. The Sitka Police Department was notified and showed up in advance.
“The crowd was a beautifully diverse group of all ages including elderly, infants, children, and even a few pets,” Young recounted. “We were especially delighted to see groups of teenagers and young adults show up on their own accord.”
Young conservatives were the demographic most drawn to Kirk and the organization he founded – Turning Point USA. Similar memorials have taken place in Homer, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su. On Sept. 25, the Turning Point chapter at the University of Alaska Anchorage will hold a vigil.
Amid tears and consolations, the Sitka participants offered prayers and sang “Amazing Grace.”
“I had someone tell me that day that they are making changes in their life and will be returning to attending church,” Young said. “I feel that many more people are soul-searching and reflecting inward to make changes to be better people. Friends and family members I’ve spoken to across the country are truly and deeply devastated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk but feel motivated in a new way to make changes for the better for themselves, their families and our nation. I know I am.”
Given the short 24-hour notice, Young said the size of the crowd gave organizers hope that there are many more people out there who share common conservative values, even amid a left-leaning community like Sitka.
5 Comments
I find it touching that so many people gathered to honor Charlie Kirk, showing unity and reflection despite the diverse political landscape. The spontaneous turnout highlights a shared sense of loss and a desire for positive change.
Much concern for safety, logistics and the delivery of the right message,” Sitka resident Dawn Young noted. “We wrestled with making the vigil about unity for our nation but ultimately came back around to the reality of it being in honor of Charlie Kirk.
Did you see any burning of cars or riots after Charlie Kirk assassination or after that young lady was killed on the train or the shooting at the church.
The only ones that we have to worry about, is the looney left.
Keep your head on a swivel, keep looking over your shoulder, for the evil that lives amongst us.
Touching to see 200 Alaskans unite in honor of Charlie Kirk. The spontaneous gathering highlights a strong, shared sense of loss and a desire for positive change, transcending political divides.
This article really struck a chord with me. Seeing that many people come together so quickly to honor Charlie Kirk, especially in a place like Sitka, is both heartwarming and inspiring. It shows that there are still many people who care deeply about conservative values and are willing to stand up for them. The fact that the crowd was so diverse, with people of all ages and backgrounds, speaks volumes about the universal appeal of Kirks message and the shared values that unite us. Its a reminder that we can overcome our differences and come together for a common cause. This vigil is not just about mourning a loss, but also about reaffirming our commitment to making positive changes in our lives and in our nation. Its a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.
“…. even amid a left-leaning community like Sitka.”
The irony. Their “left leaning” rep in Juno is a Republican! (except he’s not)