Charlie Kirk will receive America's highest civilian honor ... with President Donald Trump announcing he's going to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

POTUS spoke outside the Pentagon on 9/11 to mark the 24th anniversary of that tragedy ... but, he started out by speaking about the conservative commentator who was shot to death Wednesday in Utah. Gallery Launch Gallery Getty

He called Charlie a giant of his generation, and a champion of liberty ... before adding the administration's thoughts and prayers are with Kirk's family.

And, while he's now gone, President Trump says he believes Charlie's legacy will always live on ... and, he's going to help it do so by giving him the medal. Play video content

As we reported ... Kirk was speaking to students

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