Just over two decades ago, the U.S. Congress created Constitution and Citizenship Day, a federal holiday to commemorate the ratification of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. This incredible document was the result of weeks of passionate debate and indepth discussion by our founders – each with a different priority and world view. Once agreements were reached, men like Gouverneur Morris and James Madison came together to draft what would eventually become the foundation of our democratic republic. In 4,543 words, the original document laid out a vision for a government led by the people. With the ratification of 27 amendments, it has evolved to almost twice its original size, but retained its powerful significance.
Kentucky was not a state at the time of ratification. However, 14 leaders from the region of Virginia that would one day become part of our Commonwealth cast their votes when Virginia’s legislature took up ratification on June 25, 1788, ensuring that Kentuckians had a hand in shaping the nation from the very beginning.
As our nation marked Constitution Day this year, many of us found ourselves thinking about the tragic death of Charlie Kirk and reflecting on his legacy as a tireless advocate for the very principles found in the pages of our nation’s guiding document.
Kirk, who was killed at a public event at a university in Utah, leaves behind an inspirational movement and a legacy rooted in conviction, faith, and an unshakable confidence in the promise of the American experiment.
Charlie Kirk was best known for challenging young Americans to not just hold beliefs, but to thoughtfully consider the real-world consequences and responsibilities that come with them. As the founder and leader of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting constitutional values on high school and college campuses across the country, he traveled across the country welcoming those who agreed and disagreed with him to come talk. In fact, he was well known for saying, “if you disagree with me, come to the front.”
In a time when conversations are too often delivered by keyboard cowboys and reduced to soundbites or shouting matches, Kirk stood out for his ability to have something as simple as respect. His approach was not just to speak, but to listen. He was a man of faith, shaped by integrity and a strong moral compass. Like many of us, he had a sincere desire to leave this world better than he found it. While he could be forceful in his defense of conservative values, those who knew him personally often remarked on his humility and his willingness to hear opposing views without judgment – an extraordinary thing in this day and age.
In addition to his incredible faith, Charlie was a patriot and a proud American. He believed that the Constitution is not just a historical document, reduced to gathering dust. Instead, he taught that it is a living covenant between the American people and their government. He spoke often of natural rights, religious liberty, the importance of the Second Amendment, and the limits of federal power. In short, he knew that it was the governed, not the government, that holds the power. However, he also made it clear that rights came with responsibilities – and consequences.
And his advocacy was always tied to his faith. For Kirk, faith and freedom were inseparable. He frequently reminded audiences that our rights are endowed by our Creator, not granted by the state.
Going forward, I hope that on Constitution Day we reflect not only on the wisdom and vision of the Framers but also on the modern-day citizens who carry their torch. Charlie Kirk was one of them, but there are many more. I believe that part of his legacy will be to inspire these men and women to raise their voices. I think we are seeing it today with a growing number of Turning Point chapters forming at colleges and high schools across our state and nation.
Charlie Kirk reminded us that the Constitution is not self-sustaining. It requires citizens who care, who study, who speak, and who listen. As we celebrate the Constitution, may we honor not only the document itself but the life of a young man who believed in its promise and gave his all to defend it.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(HD21 – News From the Office of Rep. Neighbors)