Dr. Lee Edwards, founding chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, passed away on December 12, 2024, at the age of 92, at home in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Edwards was regent emeritus at The Fund for American Studies and the founding director of its Institute of Political Journalism.
Previously, Edwards was the distinguished fellow in conservative thought at The Heritage Foundation, an adjunct professor of politics at the Catholic University of America and a fellow at the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Edwards played a pivotal role in founding Young Americans for Freedom in 1960 and served as the director of public information for Senator Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign. Before earning his doctorate in world politics from the Catholic University of America, he led a public relations firm in Washington, D.C.
Edwards authored, co-authored and edited more than 25 books, including biographies of President Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, and three TFAS founders Dr. Walter Judd, William F. Buckley, Jr., and David Jones. His numerous honors included the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, the Millennium Star of Lithuania, the Cross of Terra Mariana of Estonia, the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. His book “Just Right: A Life in Pursuit of Liberty” is autobiography chronicling his’ lifelong dedication to the principles of liberty, conservatism and the American political landscape.
In April 2018, TFAS celebrated the launch of “Just Right” with a book reception in honor of Edwards. During the event, Edwards fascinated guests with anecdotes that made history – and made his time with these ‘giants’ so special, sharing memories from his work with President Ronald Reagan, Senator Barry Goldwater and William F. Buckley, Jr. over the years. He told of their common traits: their charisma, pro-free enterprise outlooks, faith in a higher power and fierce hatred of communism, something he said he especially had in common with each of them. He added that “the Constitution was their north star.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to know a lot of ‘giants’ who walked the earth here in Washington, D.C. and in America,” said Edwards.
Today, we remember Edwards among the ‘giants.’ He leaves behind an enduring legacy as a champion of liberty, a historian of the conservative movement and an advocate for freedom across the globe. His work inspired generations of leaders and thinkers and his scholarship will continue to educate and influence for years to come.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Edwards will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his writings, mentorship and unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.
As we reflect on his extraordinary life and achievements, we honor Edwards as not only a chronicler of history but also as one of its steadfast architects. His commitment to truth, justice and liberty ensures his place among the ‘giants’ he so admired.
The Fund for American Studies will continue to uphold his legacy by educating and inspiring young leaders to champion the principles of liberty, free enterprise and limited government.