September 17, 2026, Seward Folly

The Seward Area Conservative Coalition had a well-attended gathering at the Branson Pavilion last Friday. The event was advertised as an anniversary of September 11, 2001, and a tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at the age of 31.

Pastor Ingalls delivers the Invocation

The pavilion was full, with a few people just outside the entrances, in a quiet, reflective evening of readings and memories of the two tragedies.

After an invocation by Pastor Max Ingalls, Rhonda Hubbard read a short account of the 9/11 attacks, followed by several community members sharing where they were that day. This was followed by the scripture passage Isaiah 6: 1-8. In the reading, Jesus ends by asking, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah answers, “Here I am! Send me.”

Wayne McNearney reads Charlie Kirk’s essay: “Here I Am”

The reading can’t help but remind readers of the day when Flight 93’s passengers stood up and fought off terrorists, diverting the flight from the Capitol — the plane ultimately crashed in a field, with all aboard dead. It was a touching piece, reminding the crowd not to forget September 11, 2001.

Wayne McNearney then read an essay from Charlie Kirk. Its final sentence reflects Isaiah’s message, “Here I am. Send me,” in reference to standing up, when needed, against evil.

Thomas Harner then spoke of Kirk’s life. The three tenets were: “Evil exists; resist evil; and do this in the name of your faith and country.”

The event ended with a moment of silence, candle lighting, and prayers of remembrance.

Maya Moriarty reflects on her memories of 9/11