MIKE PENCE: Here's where we should look for the leadership America needs now more than ever

One year ago, America lost one of the architects of the modern conservative movement. But if the past 12 months have taught us anything, it is that America needs Ed Feulner’s example now more than ever.

Dr. Ed Feulner never confused winning momentary political battles with securing long-term victory. While others chased headlines, Ed built institutions. While others measured success by the next election, Ed invested in the next generation. While others sought influence, Ed cultivated leaders who would carry the cause of freedom long after he was gone.

He understood that political victories come and go, but a movement grounded in principle can shape history for generations. That conviction transformed the conservative movement and our country.

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As the founding president of the Heritage Foundation, Ed helped create an institution that brought conservative ideas out of the academy and into the halls of government. Years later, we were deeply honored when he joined the board of Advancing American Freedom to continue the principled fight for timeless conservative values. As always, Ed’s concern was preparing the next generation to stand up for freedom with courage and conviction.

One year later, his life offers a blueprint for the challenges we face today.

America stands at an extraordinary moment in history. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we also face profound challenges: restoring confidence in constitutional government, confronting the growing threat posed by Communist China, taming a runaway national debt, defending free enterprise from government encroachment and ensuring that America continues to lead the free world with confidence and strength.

These challenges require the same enduring truths that guided Ed throughout his remarkable life.

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In an age consumed by personalities, Ed reminded us that principles matter more. In a culture driven by instant gratification, he taught that lasting victories require patience and perseverance.

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The greatest tribute we can pay Ed Feulner is not merely to remember him, but to emulate him. Let us recommit ourselves to the principles he championed. Let us strengthen the institutions that defend liberty. Let us raise up a new generation of courageous conservative leaders. And let us never lose confidence in the goodness of America or the timeless truths that have sustained our nation from the beginning.

One year after his passing, America needs more leaders like Ed Feulner who believe that principles endure, institutions matter and freedom is always worth defending. If we carry that work forward with the same humility, courage and faith, then Ed’s greatest legacy will not simply be what he built in the past, but what we build tomorrow because of him.

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The Bible tells us, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Ed Feulner devoted his life to advancing that cause. One year after his passing, we honor his memory best not with our words alone, but with our resolve to continue the work to which he devoted his life, and which has helped preserve the liberty we so cherish.

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