FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A permanent memorial honoring the late Charlie Kirk was unveiled during a special service on Tuesday at Treasure Coast Baptist Church in Fort Pierce.

The hour-long ceremony was organized by Assistant Pastor at Treasure Coast Baptist Church Rick Palma, on a day that what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

The stone memorial aims to celebrate Kirk’s life and legacy, recognizing his impact on the local community and beyond.

“There’s a lot of negative people that speak ill of Charlie or what he stood for, but I think that Charlie represented a lot of people,” Palma said.

The conservative activist is pictured on the six-foot tall boulder holding a bible and the American flag.

“It’s a way of giving back to the community. It’s a just way of serving God,” said church member Craig Gonzales.

The memorial was funded entirely by the community and brought 15-year-old Jessica Manning to tears.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Jessica Manning said. “It’s really beautiful.”

Manning and her younger sister Elizabeth wore the same shirt Kirk wore that horrific day on September 10 when he was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University.

“I just love what he says, and he always has the right answers, and he never said anything that was against what I believe or what the bible says,” Elizabeth Manning said.

Treasure Coast Baptist Church Assistant Pastor Rick Palma spearheaded the memorial.

“I noticed there’s no memorials here for martyrs; there’s no memorials here for Charlie,” Palma said.

Palma’s father, Rick Palma, who is the senior pastor at Treasure Coast Baptist Church, said they hope people come to the memorial to reflect on Kirk’s influence and legacy.

“We just wanted to have something special in the City of Fort Pierce that stands for more than just Charlie Kirk but stands for truth and freedom and the faith that we have,” the senior pastor said.

See also: Proposed bill requires FL colleges to rename roads for Charlie Kirk or risk losing funds

The church is hoping to add a 31-foot-tall flagpole behind the monument, representing his 31 years of life.

Treasure Coast Baptist Church needs help raising funds for the flagpole. If you’d like to donate, head to treasurecoastbaptistchurch.com. Donations can also be made through Zelle at tcbc@treasurecoastbaptistchurch.com; or via checks to the church located at 8500 Orange Avenue.

For more details or to contribute, visit the church’s website or call 772-418-2494.

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