In a significant move, over a dozen Republican senators have expressed their desire to see the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk honored in President Donald Trump's envisioned National Garden of American Heroes.
This ambitious project aims to feature 250 life-size statues of prominent American figures, celebrating the nation's rich history and diverse contributions.
As reported by Fox News, a letter spearheaded by Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has been sent to President Trump, advocating for Kirk's inclusion in this prestigious assembly. Should Kirk be selected, he would stand alongside historical and cultural icons such as Abraham Lincoln, Kobe Bryant, Martin Luther King Jr., Amelia Earhart, and Albert Einstein.
The senators emphasized that Kirk's inclusion would not only celebrate his personal accomplishments but also highlight the crucial role of civic engagement in America's heritage. "Recognizing leaders who encourage participation and dialogue ensures that the Garden reflects both the historical and contemporary voices that continue to shape America," they stated.
Tragically, Kirk was assassinated last month while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. In the wake of his death, there has been a concerted effort to honor his legacy. President Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and his birthday, October 14, has been designated as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Additionally, there is a push for a commemorative coin in his memory.
The proposal to erect a statue of Kirk in the planned park near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota has garnered support from his widow, Erika Kirk. In a statement to Fox News Digital, she expressed her belief that her husband "forever changed the direction of this country, and he made it [a] better place for our children, young people and families. Charlies legacy will be felt for generations to come." She further described him as a "modern American Founding Father" deserving of national recognition.
The National Garden of American Heroes was initially established by President Trump through an executive order in 2020 and reaffirmed in early 2021. It received a substantial $40 million funding boost from a legislative package signed into law by Trump in July. The garden is intended to "reflect the awesome splendor of our countrys timeless exceptionalism," as stated in the executive order.
President Trump articulated that the individuals chosen for the garden embody "the American spirit of daring and defiance, excellence and adventure, courage and confidence, loyalty and love."
The project aims to have the statues, crafted from materials such as marble, granite, bronze, copper, or brass, completed and installed by July 2026, in time for the United States' 250th anniversary. This endeavor underscores a commitment to celebrating the nation's storied past while looking forward to its promising future.
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