Charlie Kirk receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously

President Donald Trump is scheduled to award the award posthumously Charlie Kirk Presidential Medal of Freedom on his 32nd birthday.

This moment will be meaningful and emotional, said Tyler Boyer, director of operations for Turning Point USA, a longtime friend of Kirk’s.

“It’s an emotional moment because we know how deserved it is,” Boyer said.Fox and friends“On Tuesday.

“Obviously not having our friend there is going to be something I think is going to be difficult.”

Trump awards Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom after campus assassination

Boyer is expected to attend the ceremony at the White House alongside Kirk’s widow and Turning Point USA’s new CEO, Erika Kirk.

Charlie Kirk was killed September 10 on the campus of Utah Valley University. He leaves behind two young children and would have turned 32 on Tuesday.

Trump responds to Charlie Kirk shooting: ‘Loved and admired by all’

Boyer praised Erica Kirk for her resilience in the wake of her husband’s death.

“Watching Erica and the strength that she had raising her family on her own and putting the entire Turning Point organization on her back was just something really awe-inspiring,” he said.

Country music star Cole Swindle is also honoring Kirk’s legacy, releasing his new single “Make Heaven Crowded.” Swindle told the hosts that he was inspired to release the song after hearing Erica Kirk’s speech after her husband’s death in which she mentioned the phrase.

“God, am I so humbled to see Charlie… along with Jesus now doing what you’ve always wanted to do. Make heaven crowded, right? That’s what it’s all about. Make heaven crowded,” she said during a televised speech In September.

Charlie Kirk’s colleagues and pastors praise his patriotism as Trump prepares for his highest civilian honor

Swindell said her comments made him “take a look in the mirror” and write a song that honors Kirk’s legacy.

Trump, who previously described Kirk as a “friend,” returns to the United States for the ceremony after a trip to the Middle East following the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

“It’s not easy for me to get back. It’s a very quick trip, but I’ll make a couple of key stops, and then I’ll be on the plane trying to get back in time for Charlie.” Trump said Friday.

Co-founded by Charlie Kirk Turning point USAan organization focused on promoting conservative values ​​among young Americans.

His frank style and frequent campus discussions about freedom, faith, and family values ​​made him a familiar, and sometimes polarizing, figure among students.

“It’s been an amazing journey since I met Charlie Kirk many years ago,” said Boyer, who has served as the organization’s chief operating officer for more than a decade.

“The young man who was the most intelligent speaker I had ever met could command a room in a matter of moments and change hearts and minds. I saw that firsthand with every college kid he met while we were on campus.”

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