In an era where culture and tradition often seem under constant assault, it’s heartening to see institutions taking a stand for American values by honoring true champions of free speech and civil discourse. The New College of Florida has taken a brave step forward by announcing a statue of Charlie Kirk, an unapologetic voice for conservatism. This move signals not just a commitment to Kirk’s legacy, but a broader push to defend free speech, a cornerstone of our American identity.

Privately funded by community leaders who recognize the importance of true cultural heroes, this statue will stand as a testament to Kirk’s achievements in his life. This is about more than just a memorial; it’s about making a bold statement against the erasure of our historical figures and principles. For too long, we’ve tolerated the destruction of monuments and symbols that represent the best of our societal values. It’s high time we put an end to such destructive behavior.

The left, with its penchant for tearing down statues and symbols they disagree with, often fails to offer alternatives that embody hard-won cultural ideals. They rally around figures who, quite frankly, haven’t contributed positively to society, opting instead for those who become symbols. That’s the stark contrast with Charlie Kirk—a man celebrated for the impact he made while he continues to live.

This initiative should serve as a catalyst for more efforts to celebrate our cultural heroes. We need to wave the banner of our tradition proudly. Our society’s fabric is woven with the threads of those who stood up for what’s right, often against overwhelming odds. Why should we not celebrate their valor with monuments and remembrances? Nothing less than our cultural heritage and national identity are at stake here.

Let’s see more institutions erecting statues and naming streets after true American heroes. We must keep cultivating positive role models to teach future generations about courage, integrity, and leadership. Building a statue of Charlie Kirk is a significant first step, but it should be part of a larger campaign to uplift those who have contributed meaningfully to our nation’s cultural landscape. The time to act and honor our heroes, like Columbus and countless others, is now. Let’s celebrate the visionaries who helped shape our nation and look eagerly toward a future where such figures are revered, not reviled.