Mark Levin accepts "Outstanding Impact Award."

“Don’t ever give in. You can change tactics, but don’t ever give in,” renowned conservative commentator Mark Levin advised the emerging leaders of America’s conservative movement Wednesday.

Accepting United in Purpose’s “Outstanding Impact Award” at the organization’s second annual awards ceremony held Wednesday at The Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C., Levin told young conservatives to stand firm in their beliefs--no matter what trials and temptations they face:

“Don’t ever give in. You can change tactics, but don’t ever give in. Don’t ever surrender your principles. There will be people who will try to get you to surrender your principles, who will give you positive media, positive reaffirmation – reject it. They’re not your friends.”

America is at a crossroads, and only the determination, ingenuity, and fighting spirit of today’s young conservatives can save it from being turned into “a European, socialist country,” Levin said, expressing confidence in their success:

“I believe, I honestly believe, that now is the moment between liberty and tyranny - that we’re either going to become some kind of a European, socialist country, or we’re going to fight our way back and remain America. “But, these are very daunting times, very daunting times. You look at size of the bureaucracy, you look at some of the federal courts, you look at the media, academia. You have to give the progressives credit: they’ve devoured a number of our institutions.” “But, that just means you fight harder. You find more ways to fight. You find more ways to communicate with your fellow citizens. And, I think, in doing so, we can push back and have a shot at this. “It’s not easy, but, I think we have a shot at this.”

In addition to Levin, nine other conservative leaders were honored at this year’s “Impact Awards”:

Mark Levin, conservative commentator, radio and television host

Brent Bozell, Media Research Center president

Edwin Meese III, former U.S. Attorney General

Sara Carter, Fox News Contributor

Candace Owens, Turning Point USA communications director

Admiral James "Ace" Lyons, Retired United States Navy Admiral

Cleta Mitchell, Foley & Lardner LLP

Tony Perkins, Family Research Council president

Bridgett Wagner, Heritage Foundation senior vice president for Policy Promotion

Peter Wood, National Association of Scholars president

The 2nd Annual Impact Awards Luncheon was hosted by United in Purpose and Ginni Thomas, a conservative movement leader and CEO of Liberty Consulting.

United in Purpose, led by CEO Bill Dallas, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to unite and equip conservatives in the promotion of Judeo-Christian principles.

Mark Levin’s full acceptance speech is presented below.