Charlie Kirk Memorial: Live Blog: The Largest Church Service in Human History

Live Blogging:  Charlie Kirk Memorial

Blackfoot is comfortably snoozing in a different time zone.  So I will go ahead and start the post.  Undoubtedly, when I return to the desktop, Blackfoot will have added a few thoughts and I will enter the arena again.

Security.  The word floated across my consciousness several times yesterday.  The perimeter of two stadiums and parking lots must be secured for the Charlie Kirk Memorial.  Within full envelope surveillance are tricks of the trade which most of us are unaware of - in blissful manner. Problematic, is not only an estimated crowd of 100,000 souls, but the abbreviated timeline to secure the venue.  We had a friend who worked full-time providing security for the Dallas Cowboys Stadium when it was in Irving, Texas.  When the team hosted the Super Bowl in 2011, several alphabet agencies were involved in securing the space for weeks in advance.  Every can of nacho sauce, toilet paper, and toothpick were accounted for and our friend was fairly impressed by the nature of the rigorous process.  

This event is not about football.  But it is about a modern day Apostle Paul. Charlie Kirk challenged us regarding Jesus; this "unknown God" for so many Americans. "Jesus" was the first word from his widow's lips as she spoke to us regarding her husband's death. Whispered like a prayer, I heard a life's song. It will be a morph between Billy Graham and a Trump rally. 

In attendance, those with hearts that sing, "Just as I am with without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me."  The dress attire suggested is red, white, or blue. So this will also be a Trump rally.  Charlie Kirk will be remembered and honored.  So while it is a morphing event and a strong statement, it primarily presents as a target rich environment.  I can only hope that the POTUS speaks and leaves before the VP enters the stadium.  There is a reason for an Air Force One and a secondary flight manifest for the Vice President.  As we move into this final send-off for a passionate and decent American, may security fall neatly into place.

Tammy

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Blackfoot present and reporting for duty. There is Super Bowl Plus, Plus security at the Memorial today. First, a No-Fly Zone is established, with "heavy enforcement". There are large jets and all other forms of aircraft continuing to fly into Sky Harbor and other local airports. The President is bringing two airplanes full of people, including many cabinet members and family. Trump's own family was very close to Charlie Kirk. It's hard to not grieve for who the younger generation lost on September 10. Barron and Kai Trump are the most visible of the young Trumps. We know something has also been gained, a fire has been lit.

There are road closures for miles of city blocks around State Farm Stadium. Only law enforcement or law-enforcement approved vehicles will have access, and a perspicuous parade of armored vehicles. They are using concrete chicanes and blocks, metal barricades, and non-scalable metal fencing. Streets are also blocked with garbage trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment.

There are too many law enforcement agencies present to name. MAGA loves the LEOs, and the LEOs love them back. Without painting too broad a stroke, Conservatives are the party of law and order. We don't Defund, but Defend the Police. I wonder how many off-duty officers will be in the crowd, on their own time and own dime. There are uniforms from multiple local and state jurisdictions, and they brought their toys. The atmosphere is "controlled chaos". It was awesome to see a LE sniper on the rooftop interacting with the crowd below, waving his arms. So, yes, it's a serious and sober day, and security is on high alert. But we're also still human beings who are celebrating an extraordinary man's life.

This is a SEAR 1 event. The highest level Special Event Assessment Rating. Under Homeland Security, all federal resources are brought to bear. Intelligence, cyber risk, boots on the ground, including K9 units. In other words, a whole lotta whoop ass deployed. There was no overnight "camping" allowed, but people arrived yesterday and brought their lawn chairs and coolers to secure their spots in line for the first-come, first-served admittance. Open to the public. No bags allowed, not even those clear plastic bags women have been bringing to pro games. The message: Come one, come all!

A designated protest area has been set up. The barricades can't contain the hate, but it can contain some of those who would do harm. We're preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. MLK Jr. famously said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." A liberal talking head tried to speak for Charlie Kirk, saying 'he would hate that people are skipping church to go to his memorial.' It just shows how clueless and godless some of the left has become. 

Erika Kirk designated today as a day of Celebration. Wear red, white, and/or blue! Come as you are. Charlie's closeknit group at Turning Point were recently talking about the college tour, and realized these weren't merely debates, but Tent Revivals. Today's event isn't pulling people from church; this memorial IS church.

We have missionaries in our family. Combined, they've traveled to every continent. The world thirsts for Love, Hope and Redemption that can only flow from the Word of God. This is the largest singular global church service we've ever witnessed as human beings. Read that sentence again. All are welcome under the tent. Settle in today, and let the Holy Spirit wash over you like Living Water. Thank you Jesus for Charlie Kirk's life and eternal life.

"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." -John 4:14

- a humbled Blackfoot

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Blackfoot - let me take just a moment and honor your family's legacy.  A firstborn son perished years ago in Afghanistan - because the family heeded the call to take Jesus to the Afghan population.  I still remember how it felt when we all received the news.  It was surreal and distressing.

The aforementioned being duly noted,  I find this bit of news incredibly distasteful.  

https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/charlie-kirk-ai-memorial-grief-evangelical-outreach

You can agree or disagree. But using an AI generated voice of Charlie Kirk to tell parishioners to "pick up your cross and get back in the fight" is propaganda. But then again, church-as-theater has prevailed in mega churches. 

We ARE admonished to take up our cross and follow Him.  This is in context to denying ourselves... sacrificial love.  We are sheep; not billy/bully goats.  But then again, for too long our shepherds have offered very little of value to the sheep.  Weeds.   Weeds and a lot of "Blessed Life" word salad that has very little to do with being a disciple.

Tammy

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There's a distinct difference between Free Enterprise and cashing in on tragedy. Immediately following the shooting, there were knockoff white "FREEDOM" T-shirts being bootlegged to the unwitting public, who merely wanted to show solidarity with Charlie's patriotism. To anyone within the 'sound of my voice', please consider Turning Point's merchandise shop if you would like to support their mission. You can purchase an adult T for under $30. And, no, I'm not associated with TPUSA or their merchandising.

https://TurningPointUSAmerch.us

There's no extent to the ways in which Charlie Kirk's memory will be attempted to be counterfeited or cheapened in the coming days. Charlie was the real deal. People like AOC try to say things like he was "uneducated" (on the House floor, where lies can be told without retribution, nor fear of lawsuits for defamation) to try to dissuade people from seeking his wisdom. They say he was "racist" to try to create a racial divide where none exists. Worst of all, they question the sincerity of his Faith.

Tammy and I agree that you sometimes have to check multiple sources to uncover the truth. Don't always believe the first thing you hear about Charlie or his family and friends in these coming days. Nature abhors a vacuum, and Evil fears Good. It's the reason so many lies about Trump are still wedged in the gray matter of the uninformed. If you're fighting against the idea that Republicans might be good guys, you might buy into the propaganda of the Left, including (sorry, not sorry) some of the current ills that are a Plague on our land. 

Jonathan Swift: "Falsehood flies, and the Truth comes limping after it."

-Blackfoot

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We started with a full musical worship service, the crowd singing in harmony. An arena full of strangers became a chorus to rival any tabernacle or choir. Those who don't know the words are learning them. New thoughts, new terms, new Christian beliefs are being revealed. And yes, the bagpipes always give me a lump in my throat. Well done, all the musicians and singers.

Steve Amerson sang a rousing operatic National Anthem with patriotic drumming military band backing him. I paused and stood, hand over heart. Our souls should be stirred by all of the blessings that have been bestowed from sea to shining sea. As Trump says, we need to make America prosperous, so we can help the rest of the world.

Rebecca Dunn was the first 'civilian' speaker. She spoke about grassroots struggles and how Charlie has always been a results-driven firebrand. Dr. Larry Arnn spoke about Charlie's early musings about life. As a listener, you realize philosophical pursuits were in Charlie's DNA. Next, Charlie's Turning Point team. Mikey McCoy. Tyler Bowyer. Stacy Sheridan. Justin Streiff. Bowyer was one of Charlie's dearest friends. He takes his marching orders seriously and is an effective and passionate voice for the movement. Do yourself a favor and follow him on social media.

We should have a Bingo card for the common themes of today's speakers. God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. Faith. Patriotism. America. Freedom. Safety. Ideas. Freedom of Speech. Unity. Compassion... Love is the Free Space in the middle.

-Blackfoot

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I was reading last night.  Charlie - is the first man.

"... that the one almost always fights for an ideal, the other for a prejudice.  The one soars, the other crawls. The one combats for humanity,  the other for solitude. The one desires liberty, the other wishes isolation. The one defends the commune, the other a parish. "Commons.  Commons!" cried the heroes of Marat.  The one has to deal with precipices, the other with quagmires; the one is the man of torrents and foaming streams; the other of stagnant puddles, where pestilence lurks; the one has his head in the blue sky, the other in the thicket; the one is on a summit, the other in a shadow…. the one inspires audacity, the other teaches trickery. Antiquity places the gods on the heights and the satyrs in copses. The satyr is the savage half man, half brute.” 

“Ninety-Three” by Victor Hugo.

-Tammy

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Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of the Charlie Kirk Show brought the crew onstage with him. One thing I've always appreciated about President Trump, is that he shares the spotlight with his team. He's not overly emotional about it, but if you get an atta boy from Trump, you know you've done exceptionally well. Charlie built a good team around him, and they're all deserving of recognition.

Next, the two Bens: Johnson and Carson. Benny Johnson is part of the inner circle. He talked about how his life was improved by Charlie's example. Future fellow Medal of Honor recipient Ben Carson brings class to any room he's in. He mentioned, but not by name, AOC calling Charlie "ignorant", and emphasized his undeniable intellect. You can call Charlie many things, but if it's not from truth and love, it is only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal, paganistic, hollow and self-serving. (Corinthians 13:1)

"Do not forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!" - Psalm 74:23

Ann Paulina Luna came next. There's a now-famous photo of her and Charlie at a folding table in Oregon with a sign that read: "There are only two genders." The beginning of addressing college students face-to-face. Injecting humanity into what troubles us. He is the reason she entered politics.

Jack Posobiec spoke with the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It's the only explanation for how he could have gotten through it. If you've ever lost a best friend that was more like a sibling, you'll know the exact prayer to send up for Charlie's family in Christ.

Frank Turek was with Charlie that fateful day. He helped get Charlie into the SUV, with Justin, Dan, Ryan and Rick. He then climbed into the back. He was trying to get the hatch door pulled down when the driver took off. He said he didn't know how he didn't fall out. One of the guys couldn't get the back passenger door shut. Charlie was 6'5" tall. Like Abraham Lincoln, who had to be laid sideways in the bed as he frailly clung to life, there was little room in the back seat for Charlie to stretch out.

They did everything they could before getting to the hospital, including wound compression and CPR. They got a pulse at the hospital, the doctors said it was a testament to him being young and fit. Charlie died about an hour before President Trump announced his passing to the world. I read yesterday that there are insane conspiracy theories flying around. We'll find out all the details at some point. But the main facts of the case are: He was shot with an assassin's hunting rifle. The bullet was lodged, and did not exit. Extraordinary measures were taken to try to spare his life. But God called him Home.

Again, there are elected officials speaking with forked tongues about Charlie and the movement. One in particular is speaking today (today of all days) about a racial divide they have created and are hoping to widen. Yes, Charlie had his opinions on racial issues. But according to those who knew him best, rest assured he was not a racist. He loved all people, even the ones who hated him. He would have forgiven his shooter, had he lived. He probably would have wanted to minister to him.

In his young life, he tried to learn about every aspect of politics and social issues in America, while he was at the same time pursuing his Savior. And like many of us, we're still learning. Who knows where he would have landed on any given issue, had he been gifted another 50 years on Earth. Who knows where any of us will land when this movement Charlie began gains full steam. God, Family and Country. As he would end his emails and communications to his team: "Onward!"

-Blackfoot

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Stephen Miller is now speaking.   It will be eloquent.  But I loved the simplicity of Dr. Ben Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon, long before he became a cabinet member for Donald J Trump's first administration (Secretary of HUD).  He has always been a true gentleman; and it showed in the gentle manner he chided AOC for her remarks against Charlie Kirk.  She demeaned herself. He didn't feel the need to grind her nose in the dirt.  She opened her mouth and exposed her own shallow soul.  Her words had no impact.  Dr. Ben Carson's words will be remembered.  I am not one for numerology and the Bible.  But Dr. Carson's use of John 12:24 - tying it in to the exact time when Charlie Kirk was struck by an assassin's bullet - was a powerful moment for me.

Susie Wiles is gracious.  It is a character trait which likely aids her in dealing with the pressures and demands of leading the West Wing staff.   

I just checked the time.  My father, a minister and a missionary, always said,  "Do not preach for any longer than the seat can endure."  Words begin to fall out of people's brains.  I feel the need for a strong coffee.  But it is a marvelous send-off for a remarkable man.  I always tell my husband, "Hire professional mourners for my funeral so my sons will know I was loved."  smile 

Charlie Kirk? Two hundred thousand people loved him enough to attend the memorial today.  His young children will one day find comfort in knowing that their Daddy really was a super hero.

-Tammy

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Sergio Gor will soon be our Ambassador to India. He flew with Charlie and Don Jr. on that recent Greenland trip. You really get to know someone when you break bread in a foreign land. His words, that Charlie knew we were 'in a spiritual war for the heart and soul of America' counter the facetious words of Joe Biden. We had four years of seeing what his administration fought for. I still don't know for sure what Barron Trump whispered to him at the Inauguration, but I know I would tell him, "Stand down, Joe."

Stephen Miller spoke with the conviction of righteous anger. Going through the stages of grief, like taking Algebra 1 before you can take Algebra 2, graduating from one to the other is a myth. Grief is a roller coaster. Grief is the crashing of waves on the seashore. Grief does have its stages, and our complex and simple sensibilities means we can experience more than one at a time. Miller's anger is still tacitly palpable.

Susie Wiles was in the Oval Office with President Trump when JD Vance came in to break the news. Trump was quiet at first. Susie broke down. The Ice Queen will break you in half if you're not doing what's right. She's at Trump's right hand, and is happiest behind the scenes. For her to stand before a crowd and speak shows the power of her convictions and love for Charlie and his family. She's a Mama Bear and someone harmed her cubs. You might not hear much more from her, but be assured she's in the fight.

Tucker Carlson spoke.

Tulsi Gabbard has worked with Turning Point quite a bit, as have many of the speakers today. After her run for President, she had a spiritual and political awakening. If you remember, she had switched from Dem to Independent, then registered as a Republican, and announced it during one of Trump's campaign rallies. He was blown away. He said something like, 'Wow. Wow. I didn't expect that.' Anyone who has doubts about where Tulsi's loyalties lie, you can lay them down.

Marco Rubio took us to church. Bookmark his speech for future reference. God willing, Marco will be our next VP, if he wants it. Trump told him he was born to be Secretary of State. I agree. We couldn't have a better diplomat fighting for our values around the world, and bringing other world leaders into the fold for the mutual betterment of us all.

Pete Hegseth is a man who is growing into his own, as we watch. He started with his feet to the fire, with the confirmation hearings. Then the Blackhawk accident over the Potomac. Then the leaked texts. Leadership roles tend to age us quicker and make us focus on what really matters. He's a faithful man and strong leader for our young troops. I thought he was going to give Charlie a West Point honorary commission, there for a minute. I wouldn't be mad about that.

-Blackfoot

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Marco Rubio may have taken us to church.  But   RFK Jr drew us in close and reminded of us the richness of our faith.  Vice President J.D. Vance? He took us straight to the foot of the Cross, and to our resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He alluded to his quiet faith and then firmly declared that the impact of the bullet that killed Charlie Kirk was the same bullet that broke open wide his own heart regarding sharing his own faith (my words and interpretation of his remarks).

Blackfoot -  I must leave it to you, and as VP Vance said, let you "take it from here".  It is important I visit my mother!  This is also the Lord's work. smile  I will add a Requiem when I return home.  I have enjoyed sharing this platform with you.  Thank you for adding your thoughts.

Grateful for Jesus.  

Tammy

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Don Trump Jr. gave us a couple of light moments, as he impersonated his father. His family has grown close to Charlie's family over the past few years. His teenagers have had a front row seat to power and greatness. Their family has met popes and kings. Yet, it's the personal friendships that have shaped their view of what leadership means. Charlie embodied conservative values and modeled it for the younger generations. He encouraged young people to get married and have families. Our country is coming out of a dark period, where families are under attack. Let's get back to lifting up our precious young families.

It was good to see Elon in the VIP box and shaking hands with President Trump. Hopefully, this ignites a new partnership for building America into the best she can be.

JD Vance. JD Vance. JD is our next President. Trump is the Leader of the Free World. At half Trump's age, JD is the voice for the younger generations. He said he's spoken publicly about Christ more in the past two weeks than he had recently. He's a man of strong faith, with strong convictions. He spoke of how he and his wife, our fantastic Second Lady, Usha, were by Erika's side when they took his body home to Arizona. There's nothing that can repair her broken heart right now, but the love of Christ and the promise of Heaven. For now, Erika is left missing her beloved Charlie. It's a comfort to know she has a strong support system around her.

Beware of evil forces who want to twist young Americans lives and minds, who want to alter the bodies God gave them, the way you would change your hair color. Charlie famously told a girl, who was asking him about the science of transitioning into a male, that she should seek good professional help before putting harmful chemicals into her body. He asked her to try to love herself the way God made her. The battle for our youth is a topic for another day, as there is too much to address. But we should all try to look at ourselves as God's creation. Love ourselves and love our fellow man.

*Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your platform. What a terrible day was September 10. What an outstanding service today! Everything is in God's Time. All the best to your mother.

-Blackfoot

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Erika Kirk just spoke with the courage and conviction that we knew she would. The entire world was holding its breath when she first walked out. She looked skyward and mouthed the words "I love you." She very quickly got her feet under her, and spoke with her eyes flashing in the lights to every listener around the world about Jesus, about Charlie, about Turning Point. And then we all got the true message of what it means to be a Christian. She forgave Charlie's killer, as Christ forgave His. And we are all forgiven, when we accept Jesus as our Savior. It is a gift that we can't buy, we can't bargain for, and we can't trade good behavior for it. God wants us to be with him in Heaven, we only have to accept His invitation.

Lee Greenwood graced us with "God bless the USA". That guy is ageless.

President Trump is speaking now. Our fearless leader who was too close on July 13, 2024, to meeting the same fate as Charlie. He met the graze of the bullet, and the burning pop of cartilage, with a raised fist. "Fight! Fight! Fight!" He said he knew people were concerned about him, and he wanted everyone to know he was okay. It's sad that our nation has come to this kind of political division. There's a sickness trying to seep into the heart of who we are. We can't let it. We must call evil out by name. He could have simpered off like the coward who shot him, but our President is a lion-hearted patriot. Most of the country had the feeling that  was the day the election was won.

Every generation marvels at its wonders. The Industrial Revolution was a remarkable time in world history. We're now on the cusp many technological developments, including in healthcare. Former Democrat cabinet member RFK Jr. and Trump are leading from the front. They're making an announcement about autism tomorrow. Elon Musk is working on many health projects, as he's also steadily figuring out ways to build a base on Mars. But all of these improvements are for naught if we forsake our humanity and Faith.

We lost a good one. Charlie Kirk was only 31 years old, with the gravitas of a man who'd been in the trenches. Like others who have died too soon, his image will be frozen as that hale and hearty, strong young husband of a beautiful wife, with two toddlers. We need to hold them up in prayer for comfort and safety. Thankfully, Charlie's words aren't frozen on a page. We have hours and hours of video, from The Charlie Kirk Show, to his college campus visits, to speeches at political rallies, conventions, and talk shows. Basically, anywhere he could spread the message of Faith and Patriotism, Charlie was there.

This is a time for which men like Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk were forged. To that, I say: Onward!

-Blackfoot

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Blackfoot:  

I had chosen the selection below for the Requiem before we started blogging today.  It seems appropriate.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdIoFThXhr0&list=RDRdIoFThXhr0&start_radio=1

May God continue to bless our Republic.  And may the days ahead allow sufficient time for Erika Kirk to progress through the journey of her grief on her own terms and timeline.  And may God's mercy overshadow Charlie's children as they come to terms with the violent and senseless assassination of their Daddy.

Tammy