“American Values Tour” Lights Up the Egyptian Theatre: A Night of Patriotism, Faith, and Youth Empowerment
On a crisp evening in Coos Bay, Oregon, the historic Egyptian Theatre played host to the American Values Tour, a spirited event organized by Friends of the Coos County Republicans in collaboration with groups like Turning Point USA and Operation 1776. Held amid a backdrop of external protests, the gathering drew a diverse crowd—including families, veterans, first responders, and a strong contingent of young attendees—to celebrate conservative principles, faith, and the enduring spirit of America. For those who couldn't make it, here's a recap of the inspiring night that honored the legacy of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and rallied attendees to action.
A Warm Welcome and Call to Order
The event kicked off with a firm tone from the theater director, emphasizing respect and decorum in the face of recent hostility surrounding the venue's decision to host. Attendees were reminded of emergency protocols before diving into the program, led by host Pastor Steve Lund of a local church. The Pledge of Allegiance, led by County Commissioner Rod Taylor, set a patriotic tone, followed by acknowledgments for sponsors, veterans, first responders, and community leaders. A QR code on programs encouraged sign-ups for future updates, underscoring the event's focus on ongoing engagement.
Youth Speakers Steal the Show
The evening's early highlights came from three dynamic young speakers, embodying the tour's emphasis on empowering the next generation.
Genesis Lunn, a teen with a global upbringing (born in Indonesia, raised in Bali and Hong Kong), shared her profound appreciation for American freedoms. She challenged her peers to thank God for opportunities like education, free speech, and prosperity, and urged them to take a gap-year mission trip abroad to gain perspective. "When you come back to America, you realize this is seriously the greatest country in the world," she declared, earning enthusiastic applause.
Hayden Colton, a 15-year-old sophomore from North Bend High School, spoke passionately about free speech and resisting pressure to conform. Drawing from her experiences with social media's echo chambers, she encouraged young people to speak truth in love and refuse silence. "The future doesn't belong to the loudest voices online—it belongs to the people who are brave enough to speak up in real life," she said.
Pastor Isaiah Turman, a 22-year-old youth pastor from Shoreline Community Church, delivered a fiery gospel message. Sharing his personal transformation, he critiqued self-help moralism and called for genuine faith in Jesus Christ as the path to eternal life and community change. He highlighted Coos County's high crime rate as a symptom of spiritual need, imploring attendees to repent and commit to Christ. "Do not leave this building until you've given your life to Jesus," he urged, prompting a standing ovation.
These young voices set an electric atmosphere, blending patriotism, personal stories, and calls to faith.
Turning Point USA Takes the Stage
Representatives from Turning Point USA's high school program, Club America, amplified the message of youth activism.
Nolan Crombie, Oregon Field Representative, detailed his work traveling the state to establish conservative clubs on campuses. He emphasized defending values like capitalism, the Constitution, and America's greatness against opposition from schools and peers. Highlighting growth— from 23 chapters last year to 51 midway through this school year—he showcased resources like activism kits with pocket Constitutions.
Lincoln Casarez, Pacific Regional Manager, rallied the crowd with chants of "USA!" and a video for the Turning Point community. He stressed action over talk, urging parents to set high standards for youth and invest in them. "Stop talking down to your kids... speak life to our students," he said. Cazares invited high schoolers to start chapters and ended with a prayer led by student Caleb Fox, invoking hope and protection for local schools.
Both speakers honored Charlie Kirk's vision of youth outreach as the key to saving America, emphasizing collaboration with communities like Coos County.
Keynote: Maureen Bannon on Elections, Values, and Legacy
The night culminated with Maureen "Mo" Bannon, CEO of War Room, U.S. Army veteran, and daughter of Steve Bannon, delivering a powerful keynote. As a West Point graduate and Iraq combat veteran, Bannon framed the current moment as a "war of good versus evil," pointing to protesters outside as evidence of opposition to truth.
She celebrated youth turnout in the 2024 election, noting a shift with 47% of 18-29-year-olds voting conservative—a 24-point margin swing. In Coos County, Trump won 58% but with low overall participation (only 17,742 of 54,000 registered voters). Bannon urged higher engagement for 2026 midterms, addressing concerns like high living costs (65% of Oregon voters' top issue), taxes, and housing. "Your vote is your power... This is my country, and I'm taking it back," she emphasized.
Bannon called on young conservatives to register voters, join groups like Turning Point, and amplify voices on social media and podcasts (shouting out War Room and the Charlie Kirk Show). She stressed authenticity in engaging youth and holding leaders accountable, regardless of party.
Reflecting on Kirk's assassination just days after seeing him in Korea, Bannon vowed to carry his legacy: "Once the talk stops, violence occurs. We need to keep talking, keep fighting... Don't ever be silenced." Her message: Youth must lead, not rely on older generations, to preserve America for the future.
Q&A: Real Talk from the Audience
The event wrapped with an open Q&A, where Bannon fielded questions on topics like debating family politics respectfully, boosting voter turnout, protecting kids from "woke" school curricula, ending mail-in ballot fraud, staying true as a conservative student, and applying principles like "winning gracefully." Advice ranged from hosting educational events and joining local clubs to speaking truth lovingly without berating opponents. Attendees shared personal stories, including struggles with liberal family members and school indoctrination, fostering a sense of community solidarity.
A Night to Remember
The American Values Tour at the Egyptian Theatre wasn't just an event—it was a call to arms for faith, freedom, and action. Amid chants, prayers, and standing ovations, attendees left energized to build conservative chapters, vote in midterms, and honor Kirk's mission. Protests outside only amplified the resolve inside. If you missed it, scan those QR codes from future promotions or tune into War Room for more— the movement is just getting started. God bless America!