Honoring Charlie Kirk and the Value of Life
By Heather Weininger, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Charlie Kirk—beloved husband, father, and tireless advocate for his convictions. Charlie’s life was marked by bold courage, steadfast faith, and an unwavering vision to awaken hearts and minds across our nation.
His death comes amid weeks of tragic headlines, and today we also mark 24 years since the horrific events of September 11, 2001. It can feel as though our world is consumed by violence and evil.
Like many of you, I remember 9/11 as if it were yesterday. At the time, I was working for Congressman Mark Green in Washington, D.C., where TVs were always tuned to the news. I will never forget watching in horror as planes struck the towers, realizing in real time that countless lives had been lost.
Today, with smartphones and social media, we are confronted with similar images of violence on a near-daily basis—violence delivered to us instantly through our screens. It is easy to let fear consume us, or to grow numb to the loss of human life.
I still think often of the husbands, wives, children, and parents who faced unspeakable grief that day. Today, I think of Charlie’s wife, Erika, and their two children, waking up to that same devastation.
Moments like these force us to choose: will we give in to fear or indifference, or will we stand together with renewed resolve to value life?
In the days after 9/11, Americans responded with unity and kindness—choosing to see one another with compassion, to smile at strangers, and to recommit to our shared values. We can make that same choice now.
Life is a precious gift. It is valuable, worth protecting, and must never be taken for granted. As we honor Charlie Kirk and all who have been lost to senseless violence, let us reflect on his words:
“If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas—not run away from them or try and silence them.”
Today, let us pray for Charlie’s family, and for our nation—that we may always choose unity, courage, and a deep love for life.