This was no ordinary memorial service, as the traditional somber black attire was not merely optional – it was actively discouraged.
Ahead of Sunday’s emotional gathering to honor Charlie Kirk, the prominent right-wing personality who tragically passed on September 10th, his organization, Turning Point USA, issued an unusual request. Attendees were asked to forgo traditional black mourning clothes. Instead, given the event’s strong evangelical undertones, “Sunday best” attire was suggested, specifically in patriotic shades of red, white, or blue.
Thousands of mourners converged at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, fully embracing the call for colorful attire. Throughout the approximately five-hour service, the stadium was a sea of red sundresses, blue golf polos, crisp white shirts paired with red ties, and various T-shirts adorned with images of “Trump,” American flags, and even Mr. Kirk’s likeness.
The visual spectacle was a distinctly patriotic mix, heavily influenced by the contemporary right-wing aesthetic. In recent years, red, white, and blue have become synonymous with the modern conservative movement’s team colors. The memorial’s organizers didn’t just recognize this trend; they actively promoted it, encouraging attendees to honor Mr. Kirk by donning the very colors of the flag he so often embraced.
The diverse levels of formality seen in the crowd perfectly mirrored the multifaceted nature of this uniquely American event. Organized by Turning Point in a mere eleven days, Charlie Kirk’s memorial, held within a massive football stadium, seamlessly blended the atmosphere of a political rally, a megachurch gathering, a recruitment drive for his organization, and a heartfelt tribute to a beloved husband, father, and friend. The varied dress codes thus reflected the many interpretations of the event’s purpose.
Beyond the patriotic colors, much of the clothing showcased Mr. Kirk’s profound influence. Many sported shirts boldly displaying the word “Freedom,” a direct reference to the T-shirt Mr. Kirk, at 31, wore during the tragic shooting in Utah. With Mr. Kirk now seen as a conservative martyr, this seemingly simple shirt has evolved into a prominent right-wing symbol, widely available online as merchandise, with “Freedom” tees selling for as little as $8 on various platforms.
As Sunday’s event made clear, the MAGA-style hat continues to be a favorite accessory within conservative circles. The stadium stands were dotted with caps featuring Mr. Kirk’s initials, his surname, and the phrase “Make America Charlie Kirk” in bold white lettering. These hats are currently sold on the Turning Point USA website for $39. Notably, just before his passing at an event at Utah Valley University, Mr. Kirk distributed red MAGA hats adorned with the Turning Point logo to the audience. In a poignant turn, his own memorial saw attendees wearing caps specially designed in his honor.
The Republican establishment has largely embraced a distinct uniform, echoing their party leader, President Trump, with dark blue suits, crisp white shirts, and signature red ties. This memorial was no exception. Traditional rules of mourning seemed to take a backseat to a clear display of political allegiance. Figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Donald Trump Jr., activist Jack Posobiec, and Vice President JD Vance all adhered closely to this established look. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced a slight variation with blue ties. Meanwhile, Stephen Miller, a White House deputy chief of staff, and Elon Musk, known for his aversion to suits, chose more conventional black suits, standing out in their own way.
A poignant moment came with Erika Kirk, Mr. Kirk’s wife, who has now assumed the role of chief executive for Turning Point. Dressed in an elegant white suit with a black top, Ms. Kirk was one of the few speakers to openly display profound emotion. As she wiped tears, drawing parallels between her husband’s assassination and the crucifixion of Jesus, her hand brushed against her shimmering cross necklace. President Trump, the highly anticipated final speaker following Ms. Kirk, then approached the stage, his signature red tie prominently displayed – a symbolic image on a day where the interwoven themes of Christianity and conservative politics resonated strongly.