On October 14th, Putnam County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Tony Hodge announced that the committee would host a “Stand and Speak: Honoring Charlie Kirk” and invited state, county, and local community leaders to participate. On Monday, October 27, fifty-plus individuals assembled in the old Putnam County Courtroom (now Putnam County Commission chambers) for that purpose.

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, by an individual who did not know the Charlie Kirk in the manner which millions knew him. The assassin knew Charlie Kirk through the eyes of the mainstream media which portrayed him as a right-wing political extremist. Those in attendance of the Stand and Speak knew Charlie Kirk as a person driven by belief — belief that individuals possess God-given rights.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA). TPSA is described as a nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses. Charlie Kirk would describe TPUSA as an organization which advocates for the expression of God-given rights on all campuses. Those who personally knew Kirk, know his values ­— God first, family second, and country third.

The manner in which those present honored Kirk was to do as Kirk did. Kirk urged all to speak and to act in defense of that which God has given. The Stand and Speak opened with prayer and was followed by speakers calling for others to speak and act in support of their beliefs.

Speakers included WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, WV Republican Chairman Josh Holstein, and WVGOP Executive Director Ryan Jacinto. TPUSA regional field representative addressed the assembly via video live-stream.

Warner spoke of his role as Secretary of State in urging young people to register to vote and become active participants in the political process. Warner had words of praise for the late U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph who pushed to give 18-year-olds voting rights.

Holstein and Jacinto, both young men, related how they had been influenced by Kirk to become involved in politics. Holstein is the youngest individual in history to serve as the GOP Chairman of State in any state. Holstein grew up in Boone County in a family which had always voted democrat. He chose to go against the grain because the mantra that Republicans were for the rich and Democrats were for the working people did not ring true.

Josh Huffman, pastor of New Life Church in Huntington and supporter of TPUSA, told attendees that Charlie Kirk believed that change in course for America depended upon a change of heart — a change that requires a new relationship with God.

The Charlie Kirk whom the Putnam GOP honored did invite many to seek that new relationship.