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Locals Reflect: 9/11, Kirk Assassination

    Thursday, September 11, saw the historic Lake County Courthouse host two large remembrance events, on long planned, the other an impromptu salute.  Hundreds participated in both a ceremony marking the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks which was held in the morning, and to a remembrance held later that afternoon in memory of Charlie Kirk.
    In the morning, the Lake County Historic Museum inside the courthouse was the scene of a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.  Hosted by the Lake County Historical Society, the ceremony was led by Mark Kidd of the Tavares Fire Department.  With keynote speaker Judge James Baxley, the event featured a focus on the events of September 11, 2001, and the indelible mark the attacks left on the country.
    Lake County Commissioners Sean Parks and Leslie Campione were among a group providing remarks.  A featured moment of the event came when area school-aged students took turns reading names of those killed during the attacks, with a memorial bell being rung in remembrance of each. Other speakers included Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Christie Mysinger and First Baptist Church of Umatilla’s John Carey.
    In the evening, the activity moved outside, where an estimated 300 people gathered to remember Charlie Kirk, the activist who was assassinated a day before during an event on a Utah college campus.A national political figure, Kirk, 31,was known for his efforts to engage young adults in political discussion, often taking to college campuses around the country to foster one-on-one debate.  The founder of Turning Point USA in 2012, Kirk had become among the largest young political voices in the nation on either side of the political aisle.
    Thursday’s service welcomed an estimated 300 people for a solemn tribute to Kirk while espousing the principles of faith, peace, family, country, and more. Speakers including Brooks Braswell, Carey Baker, Don Campbell, Alan Hays, and Anthony Sabatini addressed the large crowd.  Songs including The Star Spangled Banner and Amazing Grace were part of the ceremony.
    The event was organized by Carey Baker.
    “The horrific murder of Charlie Kirk deeply affected many people,” Baker said, “prompting me to organize a prayer vigil to seek the Lord’s comfort for Charlie’s family, friends, and followers.  Although we had little time to prepare, our primary concern was to support his family in their immediate need for heavenly solace and guidance.  We trust in the Lord’s promise that He hears our prayers, and I believe He answered ourds, along with those lifted up by others across our great nation.”