Honoring veterans is a daily occurrence at American Legion Post 107 in Leeds.

Recently Post 107 offered extended thanks through its Decades of Devotion program.

Looking forward to their project “12 Months of Remembrance,” Post 107 will continue to honor the 16 commanders and veterans of District 21.

Eighty-six-year-old World War II veteran Charles Dowdey moved to Leeds nine years ago to see his two great grandchildren grow up.

Married for 65 years, he has been involved in American Legion Post 107 for the past six years.

“The Legion does a lot of good,” said Dowdey.

The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Commander Post 137 Neal Ayers emceed Saturday’s event.

“This organization does good stuff,” said Ayers. “It feels good to be a part of this.”

On hand to reward those for their “decades of devotion” was State Commander of the American Legion Ron Haygood, State Auxiliary President Dot Broad, State SAL Commander Steve Bowling and State ALR Director and Post 107 First Vice/Adjutant Harold Ciancio.

“We support you everyday,” said Broad.

“We are grateful to you that we can enjoy the freedoms many of us take for granted,” added Bowling.

Retooling the image of the American Legion, Haygood said he is here to serve and if there’s anything he can do to help the city of Leeds, he will do so.

“It’s great you have the support of the city of Leeds,” said Haygood. “It’s key to be able to work with your community.”

Keynote speaker and co-author of “Patriotism In Action,” Dr. David Dyson spoke to the crowd about the importance of America’s Veterans Day being founded in Birmingham and needing it to be a major factor taught in Alabama history.

“It took Raymond Weeks nine years, but he started Veterans Day in 1945,” said Dyson. “Alabama is officially the founding state and Birmingham is the founding city of Veterans Day.”

“I had the privilege of knowing Raymond Weeks,” said Dowdey. “I watched him in action and perseverance was the strongest characteristic he had.”

Along with this knowledge Dyson also believes in the importance of character education in schools.

“Patriotism, courage, perseverance, loyalty, citizenship, peace and leadership should be a part of the lesson plan,” said Dyson. “Alabama should be a leader in America for this teaching.”

Cowriting “Patriotism In Action” was a bucket goal achievement for Dyson.

Written as a call to action after September 11, the website www.lifeleadersinstitute.com reads, “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 founded in Alabama.”

Making strides throughout the state, Dyson recently learned American Village in Montevallo will soon house a permit Veterans Day exhibit.

Encouraging principals, teachers and students to get involved and become more aware of their own Alabama history, Dyson has received approval from Alabama’s state superintendent of schools supports the Alabama Learning Exchange.

“America’s Veterans Day founding in Alabama history, character education and national branding project should be a national resource for teachers on this subject in America,” Dyson said.

Suggesting teachers also provide an assignment regarding the meaning of Veterans Day instead of it just being a day out of school.

“We need to keep telling our story,” said Dyson. “By being in this room today, if you are inspired to jot a goal down, I hope you will go out and do it. To do something is the only way things are going to change.”

To get involved visit www.lifeleadersinstitute.com or contact your local American Legion.