This coming weekend is a long weekend that we Americans spend in observance of Memorial Day.

Amidst all of the barbecues and the beach parties and drinking and carousing, it's easy to forget the true meaning of Memorial Day - that is, to honor our fallen veterans, and remember the price they paid for us to enjoy this long weekend that marks the beginning of summer.

Senator Daniel Inouye is one many war veterans who advocate a return of the observance of Memorial Day to the fixed date of May 30.

Among war veterans, politicans and all-around good people, Senator Inouye is one of my personal heroes.

Here's a video of him talking about some of the shocking prejudice he dealt with after he came back from World War II a decorated veteran, having lost his right arm in battle fighting for the United States.

It's important for me personally to remember that I love the United States, warts and all, and I'm proud to be an American.

Wherever you are this weekend, take a minute to life up your beer glass to those American heroes who fought and died for us, and those who continue to fight and die for us in this time of war.