I mark with sadness the passing yesterday of William F. Buckley, Jr. Over fifty-years ago Mr. Buckley founded what has become the nation’s preeminent conservative periodical, National Review, and in so doing helped begin the modern conservative movement.
Mr. Buckley took it upon himself to "stand athwart history [and yell], ‘Stop!’, and because of that our republic is stronger and more prosperous than it would have otherwise been. As the editors of his magazine wrote in his honor yesterday, "He created modern conservatism as an intellectual and then a political movement. He kept it from drifting into the fever swamps. And he gave it a wit, style, and intelligence that earned the respect and friendship even of his adversaries." Thanks in no small part to his efforts and intellect conservatism has become and will be for sometime a powerful and credible political, social, and economic creed working for the benefit of the United States of America.
Conservatism has lost one of its ablest voices, but more importantly America has lost one of its greatest patriots. We honor his memory this day and give him our highest and most sincere gratitude for the lifetime of service he provided. He will not soon be forgotten, and his legacy will inspire and inform us for years to come.
In Honored Memory of William F. Buckley, Jr.
