HARBOR SPRINGS — Around 150 people made their way to Zorn Park in Harbor Springs on Wednesday, Sept. 17 for a vigil in memory of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University.
One week after his death, Harbor Springs’ Rebecca Nethercott invited the community to Zorn Park for a vigil.
American flags, flowers and candles were among the items attendees brought to the ceremony.
“I know I was hurting and I watched all the demonstrations and celebrations all over the world, and I didn’t know of any in this area that we could actually attend, so I thought other people would also like to pay tribute to Charlie like me,” Nethercott told the News-Review.
The vigil began with a moment of silence, which was followed by words from Nethercott and then Pastor Ed Warner.
“It touches my heart to see people come together in such a tragic time and be here peacefully and lovingly,” Nethercott said.
During the vigil, Nethercott said the loss of Kirk hit her hard, like she had lost a friend though she had never met him or seen him speak in person.
“Charlie was courageous and passionate about his country, his family and above all his faith,” she said during the ceremony. “He was a light in this world that didn’t go out with his passing.”
Warner led a prayer for Kirk, as well as for Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the attack who was arraigned on seven felony charges on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
After the prayers, attendees lit candles and sang a few songs in honor of Kirk, including “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Amazing Grace.” They ended on the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @KarlyGrahamJrn.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Harbor Springs vigil honors Charlie Kirk one week after fatal shooting
Reporting by Karly Graham, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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