On Saturday, Caleb Chilcutt, a student at Utah Valley University and president of the university’s chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), received the Charlie Kirk Courage Award from Erika Kirk during the annual AmericaFest conference held in Phoenix, Arizona. The award honors individuals demonstrating exceptional courage, particularly in the wake of tragic events.
Describing the experience as “fantastic,” Chilcutt expressed excitement and nerves upon learning he would receive the award just hours before the ceremony. He stated, “It was an unforgettable experience.” Chilcutt’s commitment to honoring the memory of Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023, has motivated him to initiate plans for an official memorial on campus. His goal is to commemorate Kirk and celebrate his life at the very site of the incident.
Despite his efforts, Chilcutt noted that he has not yet received feedback from university leadership regarding the proposed memorial. This year marked Chilcutt’s third attendance at AmericaFest, where he acknowledged the improvements made in the conference over the years. He remarked on the significance of the gathering for the conservative movement, especially following a tragedy like Kirk’s assassination.
AmericaFest Highlights and Themes
AmericaFest serves as a platform for various conservative voices, and this year featured notable speakers addressing the direction of the movement. Among them, Ben Shapiro delivered a speech that garnered praise for its bold stance against bigotry and conspiracy theories. He openly criticized significant figures within the conservative sphere, including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.
Despite the controversies surrounding some speakers, others, like Steve Deace, emphasized the unity among young Republicans. Deace expressed optimism regarding the engagement of young party members, stating they remain undeterred by ongoing debates within the movement.
Chilcutt’s fellow students echoed this sentiment. Riley Beesley, vice chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans, highlighted the importance of internal discussions about the party’s beliefs and values. He stated, “It’s fundamentally important that we do that,” underscoring a commitment to shared American identity and the need for constructive dialogue.
Memorable Moments and Future Expectations
During the four-day event, attendees enjoyed lighthearted moments, including a performance by comedian Rob Schneider, who brought humor that surprised many attendees accustomed to political discourse. Beesley, who attended AmericaFest for the first time, noted the excitement surrounding a surprise announcement for the final day of the conference.
Saturday’s programming featured several prominent figures, including Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, and Jesse Watters from Fox News. A particularly touching moment occurred when Jeannie Beeman, a Target employee who became an internet sensation for wearing a red “Freedom” T-shirt in honor of Charlie Kirk, took the stage. The audience erupted into chants of “Grandma Jeannie,” celebrating her bravery.
As the conference draws to a close, anticipation builds for the appearance of JD Vance, Vice President, along with other significant figures in the conservative landscape. The ongoing discussions and shared experiences at AmericaFest reflect the evolving nature of the conservative movement and its commitment to unity, even in the face of adversity.
