Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Almost three months after his assassination, Charlie Kirk’s influence continues to inspire many to embrace gratitude, prayer, and truth. Following the 2024 presidential election, he issued a Thanksgiving message emphasizing the vital role of gratitude, a sentiment that JP De Gance, president of Communio, believes remains pertinent in 2025.

“Charlie’s words reflect the spirit of past Thanksgivings, times of trial and hardship for our nation,” de Gance shared, adding that Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful for all that we have. “We can even recognize that it’s through suffering that we become better individuals,” he noted.

Kirk cherished Thanksgiving, referring to it as a “uniquely American tradition” that brings together people of diverse beliefs to acknowledge the value of gratitude.

“It’s significant that in 2024, we’ll take a moment to express thanks,” Kirk remarked. He often believed that “ungRateful people make the world worse,” while “grateful people enhance it.”

De Gance also highlighted gratitude’s significance within the Christian faith, suggesting that humility allows believers to appreciate the goodness from God. While Thanksgiving is an annual event, he noted it should be a daily practice for Christians.

In his 2024 Thanksgiving address, Kirk encouraged everyone to disconnect from technology and focus on family connections. He felt this was important amidst the overwhelming distractions of the modern world.

De Gance echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to prioritize family over the “noise” of technology. “Thanksgiving is a time to step back and reconnect,” he said.

Aligned with Communio’s mission, De Gance urged people to consider inviting those without a community to their celebrations, shedding light on the loneliness that many face during holidays.

“This can be an opportunity to welcome others into our homes and share that sense of gratitude,” he remarked, stressing the importance of including those who may have no one to spend the holiday with.

For anyone wishing to honor Kirk’s legacy this Thanksgiving, de Gance suggests reflecting on Kirk’s core message. He encourages young individuals to attend church over the holiday and involve their loved ones in prayers of thanks.

In his last Thanksgiving message, Kirk reminded everyone, “The essence of Thanksgiving is recognizing the existence of God and our place beneath Him.” He emphasized the need for humility and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.