Several thousand people filled Coeur d’Alene City Park on Tuesday night for the Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. 

Many wore red shirts with white lettering that read, “This is the Turning Point.” Others wore shirts that said, “Freedom,” while a few carried flags. Adults and kids huddled close, bundled up against the chilly 45-degree temperature. 

Guest speaker Conrad Woodall was pleased with the turnout to honor Kirk, a conservative Christian activist who was shot and killed while speaking in Utah last month. 

“When people interact with each other, we have the capacity to fill our hearts with love,” he said. “But only through Jesus can our spirits be filled with love, and that’s what the world’s experiencing right now.” 

Woodall said Kirk, in his death “has become a force strong enough to inspire a literal turning point, beating back darkness, reuniting family and community.” 

Mayor Woody McEvers last week signed a proclamation that declared “A Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk” on Oct. 14. 

The day of Charlie Kirk’s birthday was marked by prayer and song as some raised their hands in praise. A flyer showed a picture of Kirk and a quote by him: "I want to be remembered for my courage for my faith."

People traveled from throughout Kootenai County and from the Spokane area to be there for the ceremony that lasted about 90 minutes. At one point, a man began chanting, "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie."

“We wanted to be here for Charlie,” said Angie Johnson, standing with her daughter under a light in the back of the crowd.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said Kirk wanted a better quality of life, not only for himself, but for everybody in the United States.” 

“Charlie believed in law and order. Charlie believed in right over wrong,” Norris said, adding that Kirk took a bold position in life, “To make what he felt would make a better America for all of us.” 

Sen. Carl Bjerke said he had long been a fan of Kirk. He recalled hearing him speak in Coeur d’Alene during the annual Lincoln Day Dinner about six years ago.

“I was amazed at his youth and his wisdom at that time,” Bjerke said, praising Kirk for his leadership, patriotism and his “godly focus.” 

Bjerke called for people to carry on what Kirk started. He said he admired Kirk for the hope he provided for his generation. 

“Pray for this nation and keep fighting," he said. 

Woodall, co-founder of TradFam, a supporter of traditional families, said each person there was, in a sense, Charlie Kirk and asked the crowd to join him in shouting to be sure Kirk could hear them from Heaven. 

“Here I am,” Woodall yelled three times. 

Each time, the crowd responded, “Send me,” in reference to Isaiah 6:8 in the Bible. 

"Because of Charlie's commitment to serve God, unapologetically, unwavering and immovable in his faith, even in the face of threats to his life, a bright light is now shining,” Woodall said.

    A band plays music from the stage as a crowd gathers at Coeur d'Alene City Park for the Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance.
  

    Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris speaks at the Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance at Coeur d'Alene City Park on Tuesday.