On Ash Wednesday, we lost the great Rush Limbaugh. As we noted that day, “Rush has been a constant friend and source of inspiration to millions of listeners across the fruited plain.”

We in the Fairfax GOP will dearly miss our beloved friend and mentor — and we are determined to honor his memory as long as we live.

A little more than one year ago, Rush shared the awful news of his “advanced lung cancer” diagnosis. The very next day, he was rightly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — our nation’s highest civilian honor — during the annual State of the Union address. “Rush Limbaugh, thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country,” President Trump said to thunderous applause.

On Wednesday, following news of Rush’s death, President Trump issued the following statement:

The great Rush Limbaugh has passed away to a better place, free from physical pain and hostility. His honor, courage, strength, and loyalty will never be replaced. Rush was a patriot, a defender of Liberty, and someone who believed in all of the greatness our Country stands for. Rush was a friend to myself and millions of Americans—a guiding light with the ability to see the truth and paint vivid pictures over the airwaves. Melania and I express our deepest condolences to his wonderful wife, Kathryn, his family, and all of his dedicated fans. He will be missed greatly.

Thank you, President Trump, for honoring Rush so beautifully. And thank you, Rush, for everything.