Here’s a white paper style proposal with real citations/footnotes, drafted to support the idea of establishing a legal holiday in remembrance of Charlie Kirk, based on the recent news of his death.
WHITE PAPER
Proposal for Establishing Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day
Prepared by: [Your Name or Committee Name]
Date: September 2025
Executive Summary
The United States has recently experienced a tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a major figure in conservative youth activism. In recognition of his influence on political discourse, civic engagement among youth, and his role in shaping national conservative ideology, this white paper proposes the establishment of Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day as a legal (federal) holiday. This day would serve both to memorialize his life and contributions, and to promote civic participation and political engagement.
I. Background
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah. He died at the age of 31.
Kirk had founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, growing it into a nationally known conservative youth organization. He was influential in debates on political issues, activism among youth, and conservative media presence.
Following his death, President Donald Trump announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
II. Justification For a Remembrance Holiday
-
Memorializing Influence
Charlie Kirk played an outsized role in mobilizing conservative youth engagement and shaping national conversations. A holiday would formally recognize his impact on American public life. -
Promoting Civic Engagement
A day in his memory could be used to encourage young people to participate in democratic processes (voting, debate, public service), reflecting values Kirk championed. -
National Reflection & Unity
Mourning his violent death could be a focal point to address the growing problem of political violence and reinforce civil discourse. -
Historical Precedent
The U.S. has memorialized influential figures posthumously via holidays (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr. Day), often to honor their contributions and values.
III. Proposed Legislative Outline
The Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day Act of 2025
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act may be cited as the “Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day Act of 2025.”
SECTION 2. FINDINGS
Congress finds that:
Charlie Kirk (born October 14, 1993 – died September 10, 2025) significantly influenced American political culture, particularly among youth, through activism, public speaking, and media.
His death by violence underscores issues in American political life, including the threat of political or ideological violence.
SECTION 3. HOLIDAY ESTABLISHED
(a) The first Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day shall be observed on September 10 of each year, beginning in 2026, to commemorate the date of his death.
(b) On this day:
- All federal government offices shall close, and employees shall have a paid holiday.
- Flags on all federal buildings shall be flown at half-staff.
- An official ceremony may be held in Washington, D.C., to honor his memory.
SECTION 4. PURPOSES OF OBSERVANCE
(a) To remember and honor the life and contributions of Charlie Kirk.
(b) To promote youth civic participation, political debate, and free speech.
SECTION 5. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS
This holiday shall not supersede or conflict with any existing federal holiday; where it coincides, observance may be merged or adjusted by regulation.
SECTION 6. FUNDING
Appropriate sums are authorized to carry out ceremonies and administrative tasks associated with this holiday.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act shall take effect immediately upon enactment, with the first observance September 10, 2026.
IV. Potential Impacts & Considerations
Area Potential Positive Outcomes Possible Concerns/Risks
Civic culture Increased youth engagement; national discourse on political violence and free speech Some may see holiday as partisan; possible backlash from those who disagree with Kirk’s ideology
Public awareness Greater awareness of civic rights, political activism, and First Amendment values Risk of polarizing interpretations of what the day means
Government cost Costs modest — closures, ceremonies, flag protocol — likely small in national budget Lost productivity on a federal workday; impact to federal services for one day
V. Citations & Footnotes
-
AP News. “Charlie Kirk, who helped build support for Trump among young people, dies after campus shooting.” Sept. 2025.
-
Legacy Obituaries. “Charlie Kirk Obituary (1993–2025).”
-
The Guardian. “Charlie Kirk obituary. Far‑right activist … murdered at age of 31…”
-
Reuters. “Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah university event.”