Weiser holds vigil for Charlie Kirk

Area residents came together for a vigil for Charlie Kirk in Weiser City Park on Sunday, Sept. 21. The event was organized by Candace Dawn and Rosie Rhodes. Steve Penner did the welcome and ending prayer. District 9A Representative John Shirts, District 9B Representative Judy Boyle, retired Army Major Steve Fenske, Johnny Rhodes spoke and Dennis Cooper furnished the sound.

 Margaret Jensen emceed the evening’s program. “It’s just wonderful that our community showed up today and is going to celebrate Charlie’s life,” Jensen said.

 Dawn acknowledged the great community we live in. “I’m just glad we’re able to come together.”

 John Shirts spoke about how deeply his family, and he were impacted by the death of Charlie Kirk. “It’s extremely tragic to see somebody in the prime of their life lose their life with a family and kids, but I think especially for us here in Weiser the America that Charlie talked about was our America, our community. And when Charlie talked about turning back the country to what it should be, to what it is, we have it right here.”

 Judy Boyle reflected on the times she spent with Charlie Kirk in Idaho. She recalled their first meeting at a white tablecloth dinner in the middle of a hay field, describing it as “very Idaho.”

 In their next meeting with a small group, Charlie Kirk shared his observations about what was happening across the United States and explained why he was driven to make kids proud to be Americans. 

 “I hope you will go home tonight and hug your family and try to have kindness towards everyone,” Boyle said.