Congress has formally declared October 14, Charlie Kirk’s birthday, as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie. It is intended to recognize the profound influence that the late conservative activist had on youth political organizing, the rebirth of faith among young people, and, ironically, on robust yet safe public debate. President Trump cut short his trip to the Middle East to personally present Erika Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Charlie’s honor during a White House ceremony this afternoon.

The decision underscores how deeply Kirk’s work continues to shape the modern conservative movement. The White House has credited part of Trump’s electoral success to Kirk’s ability to mobilize younger voters through Turning Point Action, the national grassroots network he founded.

Before his death, Kirk and his organization made a decisive move in Arizona politics by endorsing Congressman Andy Biggs in the Republican primary for governor. His public enthusiasm for Biggs’s campaign energized Arizona’s conservative base, quickly altering the tone of the race. “Andy, we are behind you 100 percent,” Kirk said on The Charlie Kirk Show, signaling the full force of Turning Point’s support.

At a rally co-hosted by Turning Point Action, Kirk and Biggs framed Arizona as the next frontier for conservative governance. Biggs told supporters the State needed “a strong, conservative governor” to champion renewed powers for the states under a restored federalist framework — a message that closely aligned with Kirk’s vision of a freer, more self-determined America.

In political terms, the endorsement was more than symbolic. Analysts described it as a defining moment for Biggs’s campaign and a reflection of Kirk’s enduring reach within grassroots Republican politics. Around the State, onlookers have noticed that Biggs is deeply touched and sometimes choked up when speaking about Charlie Kirk on the campaign trail.

As President Trump returned to Washington to honor Kirk with the nation’s highest civilian award, the movement he helped shape now looks to leaders like Andy Biggs to carry that vision forward — keeping alive the message, momentum, and mission of the State where Charlie Kirk built his organization and his legacy. The Biggs endorsement was one of Kirk’s last political endorsements, so that may weigh heavily on primary voters.

Many of Arizona’s leaders worked with Kirk to build momentum for conservative values here in Arizona.

Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-1), a strong 2A champion, summed up Charlie’s memory succinctly, stating, “Awarding Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a fitting tribute to a young leader who galvanized a generation of conservatives and amplified the cause of free speech.”

Immediately after his death, Senator Wendy Rogers posted on X, “Charlie Kirk was a transformational force in America. This will be the beginning… as he looks down from Heaven on us & his family, whom we must continue to love & support. I knew Charlie; he was a fighter. He died doing what he loved. He was always respectful, kind & intelligent. We will honor him & continue the fight as he would want.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Today is also George Floyd’s birthday, which is being commemorated by events and statements from progressive groups nationwide, with some critics arguing that the events are intended as an act of defiance.