Mary Rooke Commentary and Analysis Writer
It’s a very dark day in America. There are moments in history that you will remember what you were doing when the news broke. For millions of Americans, the September 11 terrorist attacks and the September 10 murder of Charlie Kirk will be those types of days.
It’s at these horrific turning points in American history that we, as citizens, have to decide how we are going to respond and what our next action will be. History tells us that we know the correct course to take.
Twenty-four years ago today, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the 9/11 terror attacks. In the moments after, while debris-covered people walked like zombies out of the rubble of the destroyed building, you could feel the entire country shift focus. We were never the same. Our security measures, increased fear, and worry about what was going to happen next filled the voices of our television and dinner tables.
On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience of the American spirit.
America will never forget. pic.twitter.com/FqV1MZNuG8
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025
It was the first time since Pearl Harbor that our nation was attacked on our own soil by foreign extremists. Americans had every right to feel fear and trepidation, but what we did was show the world why the U.S. is the greatest country that has ever existed. We stood up to the terrorists, held our families close, and pushed back against a violent force that wanted us on our knees. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
A day before we celebrate the remembrance of these terror attacks, one of the most important figures in my generation was murdered based on political ideologies. Charlie Kirk was the most influential person in the lives of many lost American youth who were seeking answers to questions that no one else was willing to address. The left feared Kirk because his simple plan of respectful discussions was responsible for turning millions of moderate American Gen Zers to the right.
He is gone, but the movement he created cannot die with him. Just like when it would have been easier to disconnect and turn inward, he stood firm against evil, and that is what we have to do now.
Days before Kirk was murdered, he posted a picture of his family saying, “God, family, country. In that order.” Those are our marching orders. Our country is losing a battle for its soul, and we can’t let that happen. Evil is real, and so is the spiritual battle we are facing. Everyone can feel the heavy toll it’s taking on all of us.
God, family, country. In that order.
Happy Labor Day! pic.twitter.com/oLZPUl2oTJ
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 1, 2025
During times like these, we must remember what is most important: winning this spiritual battle, protecting and loving our families, and advancing the movement to save our country.
Kirk was constantly encouraging us to find and know God. It wasn’t a surface-level plea to play to a Christian base; it was because he genuinely believed that if we as humans love our God and know His plan, then the other three pillars fall more easily into place.
He was a beautiful example of a father and husband. He purposefully chose to put family next in his hierarchy of importance because he knew that without the family, the country would perish. The traditional family has been under attack for decades. Society doesn’t look at motherhood as a calling anymore, but more like a punishment or obligation. Kirk saw it as a beautiful testament to God’s grace and love for humanity. He praised his wife, spoke openly about human dignity, and a baby’s right to life. It’s on us now to have these conversations with our friends and family. We are responsible for carrying on his life-saving work.
“I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/RGdyImmNJZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025
Our country was last on his list, but that certainly didn’t diminish his love and patriotism for the U.S. He, more than almost any person in the political world, fought to move the needle for President Donald Trump in the last election. Vice President JD Vance gave a heartfelt tribute to his work in the administration and his friendship with our most important political figures.
“Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him,” Vance wrote.
“I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years. We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones. We talk about politics and policy and sports and life. These group chats include people at the very highest level of our government,” he continued. “They trusted him, loved him, and knew he’d always have their backs. And because he was a true friend, you could instinctively trust the people Charlie introduced you to.”
“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene. He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government,” Vance added.
A while ago, probably in 2017, I appeared on Tucker Carlson’s Fox show to talk about God knows what. Afterwards a name I barely knew sent me a DM on twitter and told me I did a great job. It was Charlie Kirk, and that moment of kindness began a friendship that lasted until today.…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 11, 2025
Kirk did this quietly. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes, never boasting about his political connections on his show like so many other pundits would have done. (ROOKE: Left-Wing Outlet Paid Witches To Curse Charlie Kirk Days Before His Death)
Our mission on this day of remembrance is clear. We need to pick up the torch that Kirk lit and continue his movement. It’s not the time to cower in fear. We need to pray without ceasing, love and cherish our families, and fight for this country until our last breath.
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