Thousands are expected to attend memorials across the country on Thursday, honoring Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was murdered one year ago. 

"Our founder, our leader, and our friend, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated while doing what he had devoted his life to: standing before young Americans and challenging them to think, to speak, and to have the courage to stand for what they believe. There are no words that can adequately describe what this past year has been like," TPUSA said in a statement ahead of the events. 

The organization unveiled an 8-foot-tall statue in honor of Kirk at their headquarters in Phoenix, FOX10 reported. Another statue will be unveiled in New York City this week. The artist, Sergio Furnari, spent $100,000 of his own money on the 6-foot, 5-inch-tall tribute, Fox News reported.  

The Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk was assassinated, closed the campus on Thursday, and no classes are being held while a memorial to Kirk is held. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared Sept. 10 "Charlie Kirk Day" in the state. 

"One year ago today, Charlie Kirk came to Utah to take part in a fundamental American tradition: speak openly, debate ideas, and persuade others. Today, we honor Charlie’s memory by choosing a politics worthy of our country, one where we stand firmly for what we believe and reject violence," Cox posted on X, which included an image of the governor's declaration. 

Supporters of Kirk will also attend memorial events in Georgia, Florida and Nevada, and Turning Point is also organizing an event in Sydney, Australia, the New York Post reported. 

The local GOP in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kirk's hometown, will simulcast TP-USA’s Orem memorial, while holding its own vigil on Saturday.

“It’s a real loss to us because he had kind of gotten his start through our organization. He went to high school here, and he had been part of our organization. I don’t think he was 18 yet. He was looking to volunteer and help," Wheeling Township Republican Committee member John S. Saletta told the Post. 

The New York Young Republican Club is also planning a memorial event for Kirk in Manhattan. Stefano Forte, president of the club, told the Post that the group's membership base grew "exponentially" following Kirk's assassination. 

Tyler Robinson, 23, is accused of carrying out the assassination. He has pleaded not guilty. Following a week-long preliminary hearing, a Utah judge ruled earlier this month that the trial against Robinson can move forward.