Aldergrove Resident Honors Slain Conservative Charlie Kirk

A memorial for American conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been established in Aldergrove, following his tragic death on September 10, 2023. Kirk was shot by a sniper during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University. Local resident Marcie Simmons created the tribute, placing a photo of Kirk on a fence near her home, accompanied by his quote: “When discourse ends, violence begins.”

Initially, Simmons adorned the memorial with two flower pots. As time went on, she added posters and received contributions from others in the community, including bouquets of flowers and candles. “I was amazed that others were impacted by this,” she remarked in an interview with the Langley Advance Times. Despite differing opinions about Kirk’s views, Simmons noted that most community members have shown respect. She recounted conversations with young individuals who, while not aligned with Kirk’s ideologies, expressed horror at the violence that led to his death.

Simmons continues to collect flowers and candles each night to ensure the memorial remains undisturbed. Addressing critics who have condemned Kirk for controversial statements, she stated, “A lot of the things that are floating around are taken out of context.” She emphasized her understanding of Kirk’s message through his podcasts, speeches, and debates, asserting that he engaged in discussions with “grace and truth.”

The profound impact of Kirk’s assassination has deeply affected Simmons. “I was shocked, really shocked, and really grieved at the assassination. Like, I didn’t sleep for a couple of days,” she shared. She reflected on the broader societal implications of such violence, questioning the acceptance of lethal responses to differing opinions. The response to Kirk’s death has been mixed, with some individuals reportedly celebrating his murder, prompting Simmons to advocate for unity in mourning the loss of life, regardless of political beliefs.

Simmons plans to dismantle the memorial on October 14, which would have marked Kirk’s birthday. On this date, she and a friend intend to host a public meeting to honor his legacy. “What my friend and I wanted to do is honor him, because he was so vocal about sharing God and his faith in Christ,” she explained. The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions about Kirk’s faith and beliefs, with a dedicated Facebook page called “Explore the Bible, Aldergrove” to facilitate discussions.

The creation of this memorial reflects not only a personal tribute but also a call for open dialogue about faith, freedom of speech, and the importance of community support in the wake of tragedy.