Charlie Kirk Day will be recognized in Juneau and across Alaska, governor declares
- Jasz Garrett
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Jasz Garrett
Juneau Independent
What would have been conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday, Oct. 14, 2025, is recognized as his National Day of Remembrance.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared Tuesday as “Charlie Kirk Day” in Alaska, following President Donald Trump’s proclamation. Both the president and Dunleavy acknowledged the day of remembrance as a way to recognize the First Amendment and acknowledged Kirk’s founding of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization advocating for conservative politics on high school, college and university campuses.
Kirk was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 by gunman Tyler Robinson.
An event meant to honor the National Day of Remembrance is being held at the University of Alaska Southeast Noyes Pavilion from 6 to 7 p.m. A candlelight vigil, bonfire and live music are planned, as well as Kirk’s favorite beverage of hot mint tea. Student speakers from the university and Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé are tentatively scheduled. Students are expected to read the Pledge of Allegiance and the governor’s proclamation.
Jenny Thomas said she helped plan the event, which began being organized last week. She said Tuesday was chosen because it was Kirk’s birthday and a university was a suitable venue since it was his speaking platform.
In the City and Borough of Juneau’s updated unofficial preliminary election results on Tuesday, Thomas had 3,901 votes, currently setting her up to fill the third seat on the Juneau Board of Education. She said she does not align with all of Kirk’s views, but she “wants people to be more compassionate and open-minded.”
Other memorials for Kirk have been held around the state at universities since Kirk traveled across the United States to speak in forums, classrooms and campuses.
Immense controversy about many of Kirk’s statements regarding gender identity, religion and other subjects resulted in protests at his events. The controversies escalated after his death when supporters openly targeted people making critical comments about Kirk, seeking to have them fired from jobs or otherwise subject to retribution.
In his declaration, Dunleavy acknowledged Kirk’s “convictions were often met with opposition.” He encouraged “all Alaskans to honor his example by practicing civil dialogue, protecting the right of free expression, and preserving the liberty that defines our nation.”
In an interview, Thomas agreed.
“When people stop talking, that’s when violence starts,” she said. “That’s kind of the message that we really want people to take away, is like compassion, caring and just for people to be a little bit more open to engaging in differencing of opinion and talking about things.”
She said people who oppose Kirk would be welcome at the UAS event.
“Let’s just talk, we might find we’re not that different,” Thomas said.
• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.
