At this particular memorial service, the usual somber black attire was not just optional – it was actively discouraged.
Ahead of Sunday’s emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk, the influential right-wing personality tragically assassinated on September 10th, his organization, Turning Point USA, issued an unusual directive. Instead of traditional mourning black, attendees were asked to arrive in their “Sunday best,” infused with a patriotic flair of red, white, and blue, perfectly aligning with the event’s strong evangelical undertones.
Thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor Kirk, and they fully embraced the dress code. For the nearly five-hour service, a sea of red sundresses, blue golf polos, white dress shirts paired with red ties, and various t-shirts emblazoned with “Trump,” American flags, or even Kirk’s likeness filled the venue.
The atmosphere was a striking blend of patriotism, clearly leaning towards the right-wing. Red, white, and blue have become synonymous with the contemporary conservative movement, serving as its unofficial team colors. The memorial’s organizers understood this perfectly, explicitly inviting mourners to express their reverence for Kirk by wearing the very colors he proudly championed.
The diverse levels of formality in the attendees’ attire perfectly captured the unique essence of this distinctly American gathering. Orchestrated by Turning Point within a mere 11 days, the memorial transformed a massive football stadium into a space that seamlessly blended elements of a political rally, a fervent megachurch service, a recruitment drive for Turning Point, and a heartfelt tribute to a beloved husband, father, and friend. The varied dress choices mirrored the multifaceted interpretations of what this extraordinary ceremony aimed to achieve.
Beyond patriotism, much of the attire underscored Kirk’s unique influence. Numerous attendees sported shirts emblazoned with “Freedom,” a direct reference to the t-shirt Kirk, 31, wore at the time of his shooting in Utah. This simple phrase has since evolved into a prominent right-wing meme and a widely available piece of merchandise online, with “Freedom” tees easily found for around $8.
As Sunday’s events clearly demonstrated, the MAGA-style hat continues to be a favored emblem within conservative circles. The stadium was dotted with caps proudly displaying Kirk’s initials, his surname, or the phrase “Make America Charlie Kirk” in bold white lettering. These commemorative caps are now offered for $39 on the Turning Point USA website. Prior to his tragic death at Utah Valley University, Kirk himself was known to toss similar red MAGA hats, complete with the Turning Point logo, into his enthusiastic crowds. In a poignant twist, he has now been honored with his own unique version.
The Republican establishment has largely embraced the signature look of their party’s leader, President Trump, favoring dark blue suits, crisp white shirts, and vibrant red ties. This memorial was no exception. Traditional solemnity often takes a backseat to the desire for clear political affiliation. Figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Donald Trump Jr., activist Jack Posobiec, and Vice President JD Vance all adhered to this established aesthetic. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deviated slightly, opting for blue ties. Notably, Stephen Miller, a former White House deputy chief of staff, and Elon Musk, renowned for his aversion to suits, chose more conventional black suits, standing out in their own way amidst the patriotic display.
Finally, Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s wife and the newly appointed chief executive of Turning Point, made a poignant appearance. Dressed in a striking white textured suit with a black top, she was one of the few speakers to openly display emotion. As she wiped tears, drawing a parallel between her husband’s assassination and the crucifixion of Jesus, her hand briefly touched her gleaming cross necklace. Donald Trump, the event’s main attraction and final speaker, took the stage after Ms. Kirk, his prominent red tie symbolizing the day’s powerful fusion of Christian faith and conservative political messaging.