By Esteban Fernandez, Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT — Charlie Kirk’s death was seen as a turning point for the country by mourners who gathered in front of the Marion County Courthouse for a vigil Thursday evening.
“We wanted to come together to remember Charlie and even more than that, remember the values that he stood for faith, family and country,” Barry Bledsoe, one of the vigil’s organizers, said. “As you heard in the testimony of the people who spoke and came up to the mic, a lot of people are turning because of Charlie, which is a really great thing.”
With the help of members of his community, Bledsoe put together the vigil on short notice. The idea came together on Tuesday, and the biggest problem Bledsoe faced was getting the word out. On Facebook, Bledsoe said the event was not a rally or anti-anything. A microphone and some speakers was all he set up, along with invitations for anyone who assembled to come speak. Between 25-30 people showed up.
Various individuals who spoke at the microphone saw the moment as a turning point for the country, one they described in spiritual terms.
