Mission: To inspire patriotism in action as well as spirit.

Options for You:

1. Join the Movement to educate more Americas on Who, When, Where, and Why Veterans Day Started: Veterans Day Founding History and Character Education
2. Read the book Patriotism in Action
3. Attend and support National Veterans Day
4. Review Character Traits initiative page and see ways to teach character related to freedoms advanced in Alabama
5. See highlights of Personal Leadership for Patriots, which we presented for 17 years following the “September 11” attacks to combine both patriotism in action and personal leadership to support the Veterans Day season
6. See highlights of Tribute to the Founder of Veterans Day, which Patriotism in Action presented to open festivities for National Veterans Day in Birmingham (birthplace of America’s Veterans Day) from 2005 until 2018
7. See how Alabama’s contributions to national movements for Veterans Day and Civil Rights adds Freedom to Flourish.

Riderless Horse for a Veterans Day Parade
Provided by Patriotism in Action

Col. Bob and Nancy Barefield received a donated painting from the artist, Gwen Gorby, and in turn donated the painting to the Alabama National Cemetery on behalf of Patriotism in Action.

Personal Leadership for Patriots at the Southern Museum of Flight before National Veterans Day

Tribute to the Founder (“Driving Force”) of Veterans Day at the Raymond Weeks Memorial, Birmingham, Nov. 10 or 11

Patriotism in Action Core Contributions

1. Presents Personal Leadership for Patriots (since the “9-11” attacks in 2001), in recent years with the Southern Museum of Flight.
2. Presents programs designed to promote true patriotism and professionalism, such as the Tribute to the Founder of Veterans Day at the Raymond Weeks Monument to open national ceremonies in Birmingham each November 10 in Linn Park. Organized by Col. Bob (Ret) and Nancy Barefield with Dr. David Dyson as emcee.
3. Writes and publishes Patriotism in Action by Dr. David Dyson and Col. “Stretch” Dunn (1943-2017). On the cover of the book, President Reagan pins the Presidential Citizens Medal on Raymond Weeks of Alabama honoring him as the “driving force” for establishing America’s Veterans Day. The book serves as a patriotic guide for teachers, students, veterans, and other patriots, plus as a resource for the nation’s oldest Veterans Day. The book is presented to the National Veteran Award honoree and guest speakers from national veteran organizations.
4. Leads America’s National Veterans Day Founding Education  Movement to educate America on who and where Veterans Day started and the educational character traits supported–patriotism, courage, perseverance, loyalty, citizenship, plus five more we recommend: freedom, peace, honor, trust, and leadership. Also provide printed materials for educators, students, veterans…. Posters showing the character traits plus support from Eisenhower and Reagan are displayed in schools, city halls, tourism centers, and veterans chapters by patriots reminding that Veterans Day started here, the significance to students, and why we lead.

Patriotism in Action also links with: Freedom City, Freedom to Flourish, and Advance Alabama.

VIDEO: NATIONAL VETERANS DAY FOUNDED IN ALABAMA
(NEW RELEASE NOVEMBER 2018!)

Life Leaders created this short video for your use in classrooms, veterans events, and civic organizations, and to accompany the handouts and other resource materials found on our Veterans Day Founding Education page. Video contents and approximate times (Total time: 4 minutes 31 seconds): 

• Eisenhower-Weeks photo (1946) endorsing “National Veterans Day 1947” (0:12)
• Video clip of Reagan honoring Weeks, the “driving force” for America’s Veterans Day (2:00)–full speech below 
• Weeks interview on White House lawn by NBC about how he and Eisenhower launched the national holiday (1:20)
• Jeopardy TV clip: “Father of Veterans Day” (0:20)
• Closing and call to action–US Senate Resolution restoring historical credit to Birmingham, Alabama, Weeks; Tribute to the Founder at the Weeks Memorial photo; Join the Movement; web site address to get more information (0:30)

You Can Take Action!

1. Attend events we sponsor and support.
2. Subscribe to Life Leaders and/or special list for Patriotism in Action.
3. Get and/or donate posters for schools, veterans organizations, city halls, tourism venues, government leaders.
4. Donate for events, materials, and educational presentations and pilot programs using the Donate button or mail to: Patriotism in Action; Life Leaders; 354 County Road 33, Calera, AL 35040.
5. Get resources, service, or info: Dr. David Dyson and volunteer to help with patriotic events: Col. Bob Barefield.
6. Attend the historic National Veteran Award Banquet in Birmingham on the eve of Veterans Day.
7. Attend Veterans Day activities with us or in your home town.

Link to Veterans Day Events – National Veterans Day web site: www.nationalveteransday.org

Support Patriotism events and service with donations for posters, books, events, and programs for veterans, students, and the public.

Raymond Weeks Monument with the Patriotism in Action Wreath at the Patriotism In Action Tribute to the Founder (aka “Driving Force” by Reagan) of National Veterans Day, Birmingham, Linn Park, Nov. 10 or 11 since 2005.

Col. Bob Barefield (USA Ret) on the Michael Hart Radio Show telling listeners about Patriotism in Action events supporting Veterans Day (Personal Leadership for Patriots and Tribute to the Founder of Veterans Day), plus more supporting Veterans Day and the Alabama National Cemetery, www.scalnc.org

ABC news featured Patriotism in Action chair Bob Barefield on “Everyday Hero” by Brenda Ladun, Memorial Day 2016:

Everyday Hero Story TV Clip

Col. Barefield served as chair of the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery