Today is a heavy day worthy of our nation’s collective remembrance and reflection, where we pay tribute to those who have fought and died to preserve the freedoms and values that define our nation. At the heart of these values are the first principles of American constitutionalism: private property, limited government, economic freedom, individual liberties, and, perhaps most importantly, the inalienable right to pursue happiness.

These tenets, which were championed by the Founding Fathers, remain as relevant today as they were over two centuries ago.

But America stands for more than our nation's founders' intellectual and philosophical vision. Their ideals, values, and declarations unleashed something quite extraordinary. America's contributions to the world are vast and multifaceted, demonstrating its leadership and influence across numerous domains.

Allow me to lay out a few. In technology, America houses giants like Apple, Broadcom, Google, and Adobe revolutionizing internet infrastructure and software development. NASA's space explorations and groundbreaking medical research highlight America's scientific advancements, with many Nobel laureates in related fields.

In sports, the NBA and NFL dominate globally, while American athletes consistently excel in the Olympics. Hollywood and the music industry shape global entertainment, producing influential movies, music, and television content viewed worldwide.

Economically, Wall Street is a global financial hub that fosters investment, leading to innovation and entrepreneurship. America's leading brands include Levi's, Nike, Calvin Klein, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and McDonald's.

With its unrivaled advanced technology and global presence, America's military plays a crucial role in international stability and security. Moreover, renowned schools like MIT, the United States Naval Academy, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Carnegie-Mellon University drive academic excellence in engineering, while American pop culture and social media platforms like X and Facebook profoundly impact global communication and cultural trends.

As highlighted in my recent RedState article, Donald Trump's appearance at the Libertarian National Convention this weekend was aptly timed to underscore a commitment to America's core values. Despite facing resistance, Trump's speech was a call to action, urging a strategic alliance between Republicans and Libertarians to challenge the failed ideas of the current administration. I view Trump’s invitation to collaborate as more than just a political maneuver but a reaffirmation of the guiding principles of America that our fallen heroes gave their lives to protect and defend.

What are these guiding principles? The first principle of limited government is rooted in the belief that government should not overreach into the lives of its citizens. This principle is enshrined in the Constitution, which establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. It is a principle defended by countless soldiers who have laid down their lives to protect our freedoms from foreign and domestic threats. Memorial Day honors these sacrifices by reaffirming our commitment to a government that is limited and accountable to the people and restrained in its power.

Individual liberties, another cornerstone of American constitutionalism, are the freedoms guaranteed to each citizen by the Constitution. These include freedom of speech, religion, property ownership, the right to bear arms, and the right to due process under the law. These liberties are not just abstract concepts but tangible rights that have been defended by the blood and sweat of American servicemen and women.

One of the most compelling inalienable rights, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, is the right to pursue happiness. This fundamental right encompasses the ability of individuals to seek their own path and fulfill their God-given potential. This principle is at the heart of the American Dream, a dream that has been defended by countless soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This right, perhaps more than any other right we enjoy, powers America's upward surge and is why America is the greatest and most exceptional country to ever exist on this Earth.

Let me finish by suggesting Memorial Day is a day to do more than hang out, grill burgers, and enjoy a day off. It is a time to reflect on the contributions of our fallen comrades and to renew our dedication to forging a freer society where everyone can pursue their dreams without undue government interference.

Despite the political analysis and irrespective of the spin from both sides, I choose to view Trump's decision this weekend to engage with the Libertarian Party as highlighting the importance of coalition-building in modern politics at a time when we need it more than ever. By focusing on shared objectives like reducing government interference in our lives and enhancing personal freedoms, a new alliance based on these ideas could reshape the political landscape and present a robust challenge to the status quo.

The foundational principles that make America great are not just historical artifacts but living ideals that continue to shape our nation and inspire millions of others living in countries where these inalienable rights are nonexistent. By honoring these principles and advancing them in places where they are not embraced or respected, as Americans we can honor the memory of those who have given their lives in their defense and offer hope to those around the world who yearn to be free.