Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway Signs Prompt Pushback from Vietnam Veterans

State Route 386 in Sumner County, north of Nashville, has long been designated Vietnam Veterans Boulevard, a tribute established in 1987. In the past month, state-installed signs reading “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway” appeared along this stretch, prompting immediate objections from local veterans and community leaders.

New York Times

The roadway’s veteran designation predates the recent signage by more than four decades, serving as a permanent reminder of service in the Vietnam conflict. In March, Representative Johnny Garrett, a Republican legislator for Sumner County, introduced a proposal to rename the highway in honor of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, citing constituent requests to recognize Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and “Christian values.”

New York Times

Barry Rice, president of the Tennessee State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, acknowledged that many veterans support a separate memorial for Kirk but objected to placing it on the existing Vietnam Veterans Boulevard. David Black, a 78-year-old Vietnam veteran and Vanderbilt University professor, expressed surprise at the new signs, noting the boulevard’s longstanding dedication to veterans.

New York Times

• “We woke up to find that there were signs placed on Vietnam Veterans Boulevard,” — David Black

New York Times

• “This past year I was approached by several constituents who wished to find a way to honor Charlie Kirk for the life he lived defending the freedom of speech and inspiring an entire generation of young people to stand up for the freedoms and Christian values that our nation was built on,” — Mr. Garrett

New York Times