Forest City to Hold 9/11 Memorial and Evening Service for Charlie Kirk Today

Today, Forest City will observe the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and mourn the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The town’s annual 9/11 ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS), honoring the nearly 3,000 Americans killed in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. The program will include an emergency vehicle parade recognizing first responders’ sacrifices.

Later that evening, the same venue will host a community service in memory of Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and ally of President Donald Trump. The free public event, titled “Honoring Charlie Kirk: A Night of Community Reflection,” begins at 7 p.m. and is organized by Commissioner Hunter Haynes.

The flyer for the service describes Kirk as “a father, a husband, and a strong voice for truth who has inspired so many to stand tall and never back down from their convictions.” Scheduled speakers include Rev. Paul Scott, Chase Breeden, Adam Smith, and Phillip Williams.

Kirk was shot on Wednesday during a campus appearance at Utah Valley University. Officials said a rifle fired from a nearby rooftop struck him in the neck while he addressed students about mass shootings. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called it “a political assassination.”

President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on social media and in a White House video, calling him “a martyr for truth and freedom” and ordering flags lowered to half-staff. Trump Jr. described Kirk as “a brother” and praised his dedication to conservative principles.

Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18, became a prominent figure in conservative youth mobilization, regularly appearing on cable news and speaking at national events. His work cultivated a new generation of political activists and strengthened ties between youth voters and conservative leadership.

Locally, organizers hope Thursday’s evening service will both mourn Kirk and celebrate his legacy. “Let’s honor the example Charlie has set — to keep speaking boldly, living faithfully, and standing strong,” the event flyer says. Rev. Scott emphasized Kirk’s courage, noting, “His voice may be gone, but his example lives on.”

Commissioner Haynes highlighted the goal of unity: “This is a time for everyone, no matter their background or politics, to come together.”

Forest City Schedule – September 11:

• 10:00 a.m. — 9/11 Ceremony at POPS, followed by Emergency Vehicle Parade

• 7:00 p.m. — Honoring Charlie Kirk: A Night of Community Reflection, Pavilion on Park Square

  
  

Both memorials share a common message of remembrance, faith, and community strength in the face of tragedy.