The American Patriot Series is a series of ten thought-provoking and inspirational one-hour Television Specials/DVD Documentaries exploring over a variety of venues the source of our nation’s greatness and the legacy of service, sacrifice and commitment to the key values of freedom and duty. It is being produced in cooperation with and on behalf of the annual American Patriot Award Program in Washington DC.

Each in the series focuses on great, untold and surprising stories of ordinary men and women – some known, but mostly unknown – who, through their dedication and commitment made extraordinary contributions to our nation and the cause of freedom around the world.  Embodying a creative mix of compelling storytelling, high-profile interviews, and emotionally moving historical retrospectives, the series is designed to encompass an overall theme that, despite the most humble beginnings and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, through courage, dedication and perseverance, each of us can change the world around us - that, even in this complex and complicated world, “one life can make a difference.”

Some in the Series will be military-focused, others will not be, for true patriotism can as often be found in small towns across America as it can on obscure battlefields around the world. Importantly, this Series has no political agenda whatsoever. These are stories of individual “lives well lived”- not institutions, organizations, policies, etc.

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, rather it is the steady and tranquil dedication of a lifetime."

The first in the American Patriot Series, entitled “Arlington: In Eternal Vigil” has been completed and launched nationwide through syndication on broadcast network affiliates Memorial Day and 4th of July weekends, 2006.  This special used Arlington National Cemetery, America’s most sacred shrine, as a platform for telling the untold stories of courage and sacrifice that are emblematic of the American character throughout our history.  Arlington was a major syndication success with an extremely positive response from affiliates across the country (based on multiple re-airing requests) and viewers (in terms of written responses and DVD sales.)

Arlington is representative of each of the nine remaining productions in the American Patriot Series.  The program was shot in beautiful high-definition video and features spectacular panoramic footage of Arlington, never-before-seen archival footage, a stirring original music score by Emmy Award winning composer David Barrett, and original interviews with prominent figures relevant to Arlington National Cemetery.

The purpose of the remaining productions in the series is to uncover the roots of true American Patriotism – not merely the singing of the National Anthem at football games – and certainly not the loud patriotism of “bumper stickers.” Rather, these programs are an attempt to discover the patriotism as once described by an American statesman: “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, rather it is the steady and tranquil dedication of a lifetime.” <more>

For more information regarding the National Defense University Foundation's "American Patriot Award" click here.