ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – In Arlington Heights, a very public display of grief and reflection as a community came together on an otherwise beautiful fall afternoon to remember one of their own. 

Political activist Charlie Kirk was honored at North School Park for his impact on so many in a life cut tragically short. Kirk was shot and killed on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University.

What we know:

Hundreds turned out for the event, with many chanting “Charlie, Charlie, Charlie!” while others held the American flag and signs. One of the signs read: “WE ARE ALL CHARLIE.”

Kirk, who was killed just days ago during a speaking engagement at a university in Utah, was honored as one of the great communicators of his generation.

One of the speakers told the crowd, “Charlie had a God-given gift—he exhibited skills like active listening, empathy, patience, and always with some wit and with some humor.”

The memorial was just one of several scheduled around the country as people pause to honor the 31-year-old husband, father, and political firebrand who was born in Arlington Heights and raised in neighboring Prospect Heights. 

Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk, is holding an event celebrating his life on Sunday, September 21 in Glendale, Arizona.