Listen to the article
Nearly three months after his assassination, Charlie Kirk’s legacy continues to inspire many to embrace gratitude, prayer, and truth in their daily lives. In 2024, shortly after the presidential election, Kirk delivered a Thanksgiving message emphasizing the importance of gratitude – a message that Communio president JP De Gance believes remains relevant in 2025.
“I think Charlie’s message repeats those messages of Thanksgivings long ago when we were at different times, we’ve had setbacks as a country, we have had sufferings as a country, we had losses as a country,” De Gance told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “The message of Thanksgiving is that in all things we can be grateful. We can look to God above, and thank him both for all of our many blessings and then even through our sufferings that we so frequently grow to become better men and women.”
Kirk had described Thanksgiving as a “uniquely American tradition,” a time when people of all faiths could unite in recognizing the value of gratitude. “I think it speaks very well to our nation that there is a day when we stop and say thank you,” Kirk said in his 2024 address. He firmly believed that “the ungrateful make the world worse” while “the grateful make the world better.”
The conservative activist’s message reflected his deep Christian faith. “Gratitude is the fruit that makes everything else taste sweet. But then you must be thankful to whom? To the Almighty God,” he had stated.
De Gance elaborated on the significance of gratitude in Christian faith, noting that humility allows believers to recognize life’s blessings as gifts from God. While Thanksgiving occurs once annually as a national observance, he emphasized that gratitude should be “part of the daily Christian walk.”
In his final Thanksgiving message before his death at Utah Valley University on September 11, 2025, Kirk had encouraged Americans to disconnect from technology during the holiday to focus on family connections. This sentiment resonates strongly in today’s digital age, where constant connectivity often diminishes meaningful personal interactions.
“There’s so much noise from our technology and from the world around us, and I think it’s a great reminder, a great message and exhortation to disconnect from the devices and take a step back from the daily noise,” De Gance said, reinforcing Kirk’s message.
De Gance, whose organization Communio works to strengthen families and communities, suggested that this Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to combat America’s “epidemic of loneliness” by extending hospitality to those without holiday plans.
“We can ask ourselves, what are we doing to invite folks in who might not have someone to enjoy Thanksgiving with this season, or someone who might be far away from family and unable to travel, someone who might be a first responder and can’t get back to his family,” De Gance said.
Kirk’s assassination sent shockwaves through conservative circles and beyond, transforming him into what some supporters have called an “American martyr.” Memorial services following his death drew thousands, with candles and flowers placed alongside his image in public vigils like the one held at Orem City Center Park in Utah.
His widow, Erika Kirk, has since given her first television interview, reflecting on life, loss, and faith in the aftermath of her husband’s death. The tragedy has particularly resonated with young conservatives who were inspired by Kirk’s outspoken defense of traditional values and Christian principles.
For those looking to honor Kirk’s legacy this Thanksgiving, De Gance suggests following the late activist’s core messages: attend church services during the holiday weekend and invite family and loved ones to join in prayers of gratitude.
Kirk’s final Thanksgiving message emphasized humility before God: “The fundamental story of Thanksgiving is to understand that there is a God and that you are not above him,” he said. “We must have the humility to know that God is sovereign.”
As Americans gather around their tables this Thanksgiving, Kirk’s emphasis on disconnecting from technology, embracing gratitude, and extending hospitality to the lonely offers a timely reminder of the holiday’s deeper purpose amid the nation’s ongoing political and social divisions.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
Interesting perspective on the significance of Charlie Kirk’s Thanksgiving address. It’s a good reminder that even in difficult times, we can find reasons to be grateful and appreciate the blessings we have as a nation.
It’s interesting to see how Kirk’s Thanksgiving message is still resonating with people today. His focus on unity, faith, and gratitude feels particularly relevant in these divisive times.
Absolutely. Kirk’s ability to transcend partisan divides and speak to the shared values of the American people is quite admirable.
While I may not agree with all of Kirk’s political views, I respect his ability to articulate the importance of gratitude and its role in strengthening our national identity. These are messages worth considering.
The faith-based perspective offered by JP De Gance provides an interesting counterpoint to Kirk’s Thanksgiving address. It’s valuable to hear diverse voices weighing in on the significance of this message.
I appreciate Kirk’s emphasis on the importance of gratitude, particularly during times of challenge and loss. Maintaining a spirit of thankfulness can help us stay resilient and united as a country.
Agreed. Cultivating gratitude, even amidst adversity, is a powerful way to uplift ourselves and our communities.
The notion that ‘the ungrateful make the world worse’ is a thought-provoking one. Recognizing and expressing appreciation for our blessings does seem to have a positive impact on the broader social fabric.