What did Pete Hegseth say about Charlie Kirk at the memorial service? Complete speech explored

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Charlie Kirk "a warrior for country, a warrior for Christ" during Kirk's memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, on September 18. The memorial service was attended by tens of thousands of supporters and members from the Trump administration.

Kirk, a political activist and Trump ally, died on September 10 after he was fatally shot while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University.

Pete Hegseth's complete memorial speech explored

Pete Hegseth is a conservative political commentator and co-host on Fox News. He is known for his strong opinion on right-wing populist policies. He is also an advocate of US President Donald Trump and often aligns himself with the MAGA movement. He has often spoken on pro-religion, pro-military, and pro-America first topics. Pete Hegseth began his speech by describing Kirk as,

"A patriot, a conservative, a leader, a builder, an adovcate, an author, a lover of freedom. A husband, a father, a Christian, and a warrior. You see Charlie Kirk was a true believer for the cause of freedom, for the power of young people,for the power of young people, belief in our republic and our founding principles in America first and make America great again. But more importantly, he was a true believer."

Pete Hegseth then went on to add,

You see, Charlie Kirk started Turning Point USA to change our politics. That's when I first met him over a decade ago. He was building a movement, and nobody worked harder at it, bringing people to political small-truth.I still have the sticker, Big Government Sucks. And he pursued that truth with more vigor than anyone I've ever met. But over time, he realized, like so many of us have, that this is not a political war. It's not even a cultural war. It's a spiritual war."

When talking about Charlie Kirk's faith, Pete Hegseth said,

"Faith and family first.There is a God, and as Charlie would say, it is not us. We're sinners saved only by grace in need of the gospel. You see, we always did need less government, but what Charlie understood and infused into his movement is we also needed a lot more God. Charlie had big plans, but God had even bigger plans. You know, Marco mentioned this arena and the millions watching."

"A couple days ago, I learned that Kirk, actually in German, the German language, means church. So on this Sunday morning, I'd like to think we're all in Charlie's church. Charlie started a political movement but unleashed a spiritual revival."

"My pastor texted me the day after that horrific event and said, Pete, the devil overplayed his hand. Charlie started with liberty but ended up lighting our country on fire for Christ. He started Turning Point USA, but this moment is the turning point for the USA. Right now.

"He died the way he lived, speaking the truth. Charlie waged war not with a weapon, but with a tent, a microphone, his mind, and the truth. And the gates of hell could not prevail against him. He went into the darkest of places, like Paul in the book of Acts. He went into college campuses where they said we couldn't go, and he was the light. He was bold.He was brave. He was a hero."

You know, at the War Department, we know a little bit about heroism. I've seen it personally on the battlefield from Americans wearing camouflage, and I'm surrounded by men and women today who had the chance to witness the same. Most people don't know this, but Charlie Kirk wanted to go to West Point. It never happened, obviously. His personal loss at that moment was our nation's great gain. "

Charlie Kirk was a citizen who had the biblical heart of a soldier of the faith who put on every single day the full armor of God with a smile. As the scriptures tell all Christ followers to do, Charlie Kirk, a warrior for country, a warrior for Christ, he ran the race. He finished the fight. "

Pete Hegseth concluded the speech by urging people to continue Kirk's work,

"Now it's our turn. My charge to all of you, live worthy of Charlie Kirk's sacrifice and put Christ at the center of your life as he advocated for giving his. Charlie has heard the words echoing now in heaven, well done, good and faithful servant. Charlie will take it from here. God bless."

Pete Hegseth was joined by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, and more supporters.

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