Bonner County proclaims Oct. 14, 2025, a Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk; commissioners and public debate process for remembrance days
October 15, 2025 | Bonner County, Idaho
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The Bonner County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 14 approved a proclamation designating Oct. 14, 2025, as a Bonner County Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk and condemning his assassination.
The proclamation text attached to the agenda recites Charlie Kirk's biography and accomplishments, denounces politically motivated violence, extends condolences to his family, and "encourages educational institutions, civic organizations, and citizens across Bonner County to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities, prayers, and ceremonies that promote civil engagement and the principles of faith and liberty that Charlie Kirk championed." The board voted to approve the proclamation and authorized administrative signature.
The item prompted extended discussion among commissioners and during public comment about whether the county should adopt a formal policy or process for establishing days of remembrance. Several commissioners said they supported condemning political violence and the proclamation's overall intent but expressed concern that the county lacks a consistent procedure for recognizing individuals and that the language of Section 7 (encouraging institutions and citizens to observe the day) could be read as broader than the county's authority.
Members of the public spoke both in favor and against the proclamation. Supporters described Kirk's public profile and their personal regard for him; others urged the board to develop a standardized process for county recognitions and to consider local cases (such as fallen firefighters) that have not received county days of remembrance. One commenter noted the proclamation had already been publicly promoted by other groups before coming to the board for consideration.
Board members clarified during debate that, as drafted, the proclamation recognizes Oct. 14, 2025, specifically; some commissioners said they intended the designation for this date only and that future boards could make their own decisions.
A motion to approve the proclamation passed on a roll-call vote.
The proclamation text attached to the agenda recites Charlie Kirk's biography and accomplishments, denounces politically motivated violence, extends condolences to his family, and "encourages educational institutions, civic organizations, and citizens across Bonner County to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities, prayers, and ceremonies that promote civil engagement and the principles of faith and liberty that Charlie Kirk championed." The board voted to approve the proclamation and authorized administrative signature.
The item prompted extended discussion among commissioners and during public comment about whether the county should adopt a formal policy or process for establishing days of remembrance. Several commissioners said they supported condemning political violence and the proclamation's overall intent but expressed concern that the county lacks a consistent procedure for recognizing individuals and that the language of Section 7 (encouraging institutions and citizens to observe the day) could be read as broader than the county's authority.
Members of the public spoke both in favor and against the proclamation. Supporters described Kirk's public profile and their personal regard for him; others urged the board to develop a standardized process for county recognitions and to consider local cases (such as fallen firefighters) that have not received county days of remembrance. One commenter noted the proclamation had already been publicly promoted by other groups before coming to the board for consideration.
Board members clarified during debate that, as drafted, the proclamation recognizes Oct. 14, 2025, specifically; some commissioners said they intended the designation for this date only and that future boards could make their own decisions.
A motion to approve the proclamation passed on a roll-call vote.
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