National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk: What to Know on Oct. 14

October 14 has been designated as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, honoring the late conservative activist on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Across Florida and beyond, events and resolutions mark the day to celebrate Kirk’s legacy and recognize his influence on free speech, civic engagement, and youth activism.

The date carries added significance this year as former President Donald Trump is set to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony. Kirk’s widow, Erika, will attend the event in his honor.

Florida Declares Oct. 14 Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance

Florida lawmakers have moved swiftly to commemorate Kirk’s life and work following his assassination on September 10, 2025, during a speech at Utah Valley University. Senator Rick Scott spearheaded a resolution passed by the state Senate urging that October 14 be designated as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. “Charlie dedicated his life to the idea that the power of our ideas can not only win the day but start a movement,” Scott said, urging Americans to honor Kirk’s legacy through civic participation and peaceful debate.

The Senate resolution praised Kirk as “a champion of free speech, civil dialogue, and faith” whose work strengthened public discourse and promoted constitutional principles. It encouraged schools, civic organizations, and citizens to mark the day with programs, prayers, and activities celebrating the democratic values he championed.

Meanwhile, House Resolution 727, introduced by Rep. Patronis to establish the remembrance day nationally, remains in committee. A separate proposal, House Bill 125, filed on October 8, seeks to officially designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida every year, effective July 1, 2026, if passed in the next legislative session.

Events and Honors Across Florida

In Tallahassee, a candlelight vigil will take place this evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Florida Capitol to honor Kirk’s life and mourn his death. Local leaders, students, and members of Turning Point USA — the organization Kirk founded — are expected to attend.

In addition, a separate bill, HB 113, proposes that every public college and university in Florida rename one campus road in Kirk’s honor, with potential state funding consequences for institutions that do not comply. Sarasota County has already announced plans to rename part of a major road after Kirk.

Trump praised Florida lawmakers’ efforts on social media, writing, “The Florida Legislature is now considering a new law designating EVERY YEAR, October 14th, as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance… Charlie Kirk’s tragic death was not only a national loss but deeply felt within Florida’s civic and educational communities.”

Who Was Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk rose to prominence as a conservative commentator and activist, founding Turning Point USA and building it into one of the largest youth-oriented conservative movements in the country. A fierce critic of liberal influence in higher education, Kirk promoted individual liberty, free speech, and civic engagement, often through fiery debates and campus events.

He gained national attention for mobilizing young conservatives and was credited by Trump in 2024 as a key figure in his presidential victory. Kirk’s outspoken views on abortion, civil rights, gender issues, and gun rights made him a polarizing figure — celebrated by supporters as a bold defender of traditional values and criticized by opponents for his hardline positions.

On September 10, 2025, Kirk was fatally shot by an assassin while speaking in Orem, Utah. Prosecutors charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with his murder. His death sent shockwaves through political circles, prompting an outpouring of tributes and renewed debates about political violence in America.

Today, as Americans reflect on his life, Oct. 14 serves as a reminder of Kirk’s contributions to civic education, youth leadership, and the defense of constitutional freedoms — and as a call to continue the conversations he started.

Charlie Kirk’s legacy now lives on each October 14 as a day of remembrance — a moment to reflect, debate, and engage in the democratic process he fiercely defended.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk?

It is a day designated on October 14 to honor the life and legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in 2025.

Q2: Will Oct. 14 be an annual observance in Florida?

If House Bill 125 passes in 2026, Oct. 14 will be officially recognized every year as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida.

Q3: Is Charlie Kirk Day a federal holiday?

No, the National Day of Remembrance is not a federal holiday, and federal offices and schools remain open.

Q4: What events are happening today to honor Kirk?

A candlelight vigil will be held at the Florida Capitol from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Trump will award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Q5: Why is Charlie Kirk significant in U.S. politics?

He founded Turning Point USA, mobilized young conservatives, and was a prominent voice for free speech and constitutional principles.

References

Associated Press. (2025). “Oct. 14 designated as National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.” Oct. 14, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). “Florida lawmakers push annual Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance.” Oct. 13, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Trump to award posthumous Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk.” Oct. 14, 2025.