Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here. Entires must be submitted to the local post by midnight, Oct. 31.

The 2024-25 theme is: 
"My Voice in America's Democracy?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Bryant Day, an eighth grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Bryant was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read his essay here. See the complete list of 2024 national winners.

Send your entry to:

VFW Post 10483, PO Box 9479, Hot Springs Village, AR 71910

Attention Teachers! 

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen programs on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2020-21. We thank all of America's teachers and youth leaders for the time, effort and commitment they invest in our young people each year. We have a number of ways in which to assist you in helping to ensure your students get a head start on their future.

Get Acquainted with VFW's Programs