The video has been viewed nearly 40,000 times, and many people offered their prayers and encouragement. Some were astounded and pleased that a cross was engraved on the back of the medal.
The Medal of Freedom was first ordered by President Harry S. Truman in 1945. It was “reestablished” by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
“It is the highest civil award of our Government,” the printed program read, and it is given to people who “have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
“For over a decade, [Charlie Kirk] tirelessly traveled the country leading a movement to restore respect for our founding principles, reawaken our national identity, and inspire a renewed spirit of religious devotion,” the printed program said.
“Charlie was also a man of deep, deep faith,” Trump said in a post soon after Kirk’s death, “and we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven.”
Pastor James Kaddis Shares His Experience at the Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony
James Kaddis, the founding and senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Signal Hill in Signal Hill, California, was invited to attend the ceremony where Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I was incredibly honored to be a part of history when my little brother @charliekirk1776 was honored by our dear President @realdonaldtrump.” Kaddis said. “A very special thank you to @mrserikakirk for asking me to be there. There’s no place I’d rather be on a special day like this!”
Kaddis shared a personal note to Erika: “My Bride and my children love you so much Erika!”
View this post on Instagram
The printed program described Kirk as “one of the great debaters and communicators of his time.”
“Despite receiving repeated threats, he remained undeterred and modeled courage, logic, humor, and grace to the next generation,” read the printed program.
