Looking back on the legacy of the great Paul Weyrich, I remember how supportive he was of conservative women. In the past year, Paul wrote columns saluting the accomplishments of North Carolina Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. More importantly, from the earliest days of the conservative movement, Paul Weyrich was known for teaching, encouraging, and providing opportunities for leadership by young women as well as men. At the Wednesday afternoon strategy sessions that Paul hosted for many years in Washington, D.C., women who were working hard for conservative principles were invited to speak many times. We learned from Paul and other invited speakers why it was important to stand up for conservative policies, and how to win. Just last week I received a supportive hand-written note from Paul, a man who persevered and kept on writing insightful columns despite physical pain that is now behind him as he goes to his eternal reward. I will miss him greatly and cherish his friendship always.
— Elaine Donnelly is president of the Center for Military Readiness.