“Charlie founded Turning Point USA when he was around 18 — it was aimed at empowering students, giving them a platform, a voice. From my view, as a high school student, that part is important. So many of us feel like our opinions don’t matter yet — that we’re still “learning,” still “finding our place.” Charlie tried to challenge that. He turned his early opinions into activism. Whether or not you agreed with everything he said, you couldn’t deny he believed young people mattered. What can we, as high schoolers, take from Charlie’s life?
These were the expressions of a teen-aged student following the gathering of an estimated more than 100 people in Veterans Park in Atlantic Highlands Tuesday night memorializing political activist Charlie Kirk on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Kirk, the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was murdered last month when shot during a gathering in Orem, Utah, and speaking on mass shootings.
The Atlantic Highlands memorial was organized by former Councilman Brian Boms and included music, prayers, Bible readings, a pledge of allegiance, the National Anthem and one rude and unfortunate interruption of a teenager in the midst of her talk about Kirk and the lessons he taught young people.
Boms opened the gathering by asking all to remember the three pillars Kirk used as the foundation of his encouragement to young people who wished to fulfill their obligation to take part in forming the country they wish to live in: courage, faith as a foundation, and responsibility.
“Charlie didn’t shy away from hard conversations,” Boms said, in speaking of his courage, “He ventured into places where many were silent…. made arguments, challenged norms, questioned assumptions.” He was not always popular, Boms said, “but he was always rooted in what he believed was true.”
Boms noted that those who knew the popular activist spoke of his dedication to his Christian faith and how it shaped his worldview, his compassion and the way he saw others. “He saw beyond politics to what he believed was eternal; beyond division to what could bind people together.”
Kirk believed in young people, Boms continued, “ In students on college campuses, in young leaders who might be unsure, or afraid, or intimidated. He believed they could and should be part of the conversation—and part of the solution. He invested in them.”
Boms who said he had secured a permit for the gathering from the borough office within hours after submitting his request for use of the park for 90 minutes, led the Pledge of Allegiance with Mike Burke singing the National Anthem. Others who participated actively before the crowd include Phil Spatola who read a poem he had written and former Councilman James Murphy who read an e-mail he had received from a resident unable to be there, as well as comments of his own on the importance of Kirk as a public figure.
Local resident Morgan Spicer also spoke, her accent on peace, unity and the need to put an end to political violence across the nation. Resident Paul Barbado also read a poem on the importance of hugs He urged those in attendance to turn to the person next to them and exchange hugs or some sign of friendship and camaraderie, a suggestion that was well received and activated.
Former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein also participated in the program, quoting a series of passages from the Bible referring to peace and unity before leading the group in a prayer. Sherri Piazza and Burke led the group in singing “Let there be peace on earth” as a closing of the hour-long program before the gathering departed the park.
The only discordant incident during the evening of prayer and song was while the teenager was speaking and local resident Cameron Fish exited a nearby bar, wandered down to the gathering in the park screaming Kirk was a loser, a racist and other remarks. Although momentarily shaken, the teen continued her speech, and police convinced Fish to be silent and leave the area.
“ I get it that people may oppose his beliefs, perhaps because many have never listened to more than a snippet of his talks and never heard his full message,” Boms said, “ but to act in that manner while a student is trying to find her own voice and the courage to express herself at a memorial service which clearly was emphasizing unity was totally classless.”
Ironically, Boms noted, Fish’s rude interruption of a young person’s message in expressing herself was just what Kirk’s messages were all about. “If you believe something — in fairness, in justice, in what matters — find your voice. Debate, listen, learn. Don’t shrink from disagreement, but don’t let fear silence you either. There’s a time, place and more courteous manner in which this individual could have shown his distaste for what was going on in a public park,” the former councilman said.
As one speaker said at the gathering, “ In a world that often seems divided, Charlie taught us that our differences are not barriers, but gateways to deeper understanding. He showed us that it’s not only okay to discuss our varying perspectives, but that it’s essential. Through his advocacy, he has demonstrated that engaging in dialogue about our differences can lead to growth, empathy, and, ultimately, unity. “
Although none of the present Council were present at the gathering, all of whom had been invited to attend and participate, Boms confirmed that Mayor Lori Hohenleitner and several of the council members had sent responses, noting they had previous plans and would not be able to attend.
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