Charlie Kirk memorial signs moved from Tenn. highway after lawmakers receive pushback from Vietnam veterans

Summary by The Nashville Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Holly Lehren, NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) · July 23, 2026 · 2 min read

One day after NewsChannel 5 reported that the relocation of signs honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk was on hold, TDOT moved them. The department had said it could not act without direction from the General Assembly. Because the legislature is not currently in session, lawmakers would no...

Why this matters in The Nashville

The swift relocation of Charlie Kirk memorial signs from State Route 386 to Long Hollow Pike brings closure to a controversy that sparked outrage among local Vietnam veterans. The fact that TDOT initially stated it couldn't act without direction from the General Assembly, only to move the signs after lawmakers received pushback, suggests that public pressure can influence decisions in Nashville. This incident also highlights the importance of community input in memorial designations, as the lack of consultation with Vietnam veterans before installing the signs was a major point of contention. With the signs now relocated, the Vietnam Veterans Boulevard can once again serve as a dedicated tribute to the 25 Sumner County service members who died in the Vietnam War, without the distraction of a memorial to an individual with no direct ties to the area. The community can now focus on preserving the integrity of local memorials and honoring those with a genuine connection to Middle Tennessee.

About this story

Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 23, 2026 · Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) · Reading time: 2 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on July 23, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Holly Lehren at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

Summary created by	The Nashville Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Holly Lehren, NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 23, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 23, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Charlie Kirk memorial signs moved from Tenn. highway after lawmakers receive pushback from Vietnam veterans

More stories

WATCH: ‘SEC Media Days Craze’ | LSU, Texas, Arkansas, Miss State highlight final day

Driver charged in fatal November 2025 Clarksville Pike crash surrenders, police say

Nashville Zoo rejects DC Blox proposal for smaller data center next to zoo. Here’s what we know

Study shows which states are seeing the biggest reductions in SNAP benefits

Taco Bell employee threw boiling water on co-worker, police say

Average 30-year US mortgage rate climbs to 6.58%, highest level in nearly a year

Nashville Zoo rejects proposed MOU for smaller data center

Electric biker injured in Hopkinsville crash

Rutherford County Commission candidate charged after campaign sign theft

Allergy medication sold nationwide recalled for potentially life-threatening mix-up with wrong pills

Vanderbilt University to reinstate standardized testing requirements for fall 2029 applicants

Nashville police respond to 6 fatal overdoses in 24 hours

Get the briefing.