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2022 Virtual Parade of Winners

Join us April 1 at 7 p.m. CDT for the 2022 virtual Parade of Winners and see who takes home the top $30,000 prize!

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Every year, nearly 230,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of more than $3 million in college scholarships and awards.

The competitions culminate with the Parade of Winners event, designed to celebrate and recognize the contests’ top national winners. 

This year, the VFW will host its annual Parade of Winners virtually on April 7 at 7 p.m. CDT, live on Facebook. B e sure to tap “interested,” then “going” on the Facebook event to ensure you stay up-to-date and receive all event notifications. To listen to the winning essay from your state, click here . 

During the historic event, VFW and VFW Auxiliary state and national leadership, representatives from program sponsors Twisted X , and this year’s 52 Voice of Democracy Department (state) winners will come together from all over the world as we crown the 2022 national Voice of Democracy first place winner.

Open to eligible middle and high school students, the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions require students submit an essay based on a selected patriotic theme. Winning entries selected by local VFW Posts go on to compete at their District and Department (state) level, with state winners competing at the national level.

The Voice of Democracy top prize is the $30,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship, and the Patriot’s Pen grand prize winner receives the $5,000 Paul A. Spera Past Commander-in-Chief Award.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the  2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Watch as Sophia delivered her speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriot's Pen

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  and find your sponsoring local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

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

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 .

Find Out More

Patriot's Pen

Vfw in the community.

"Robert John Lehman Post"

VFW Post 10427

Leander, TX

Still serving our Country, Veterans and Communities

Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: 3pm - 10pm Sat/Sun: 1pm - 10pm 512.260.8313

Youth Scholarships & Awards

The 2023-24 theme is:   "How Are You Inspired by America?"

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 more than $1.4 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,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.  Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here .  [VFW Post 10427 information found below .]

Leighton Peters

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

The 2023-24 theme is:  "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.

A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read  the rules and eligibility requirements , and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.  Download and complete the 2023-24 Voice of Democracy entry form here .  [VFW Post 10427 information found below .]

Scotland Stewart

Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee,, was named the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Scotland’s speech on the theme, "Why is the Veteran Important?" won him a $35,000 college scholarship. Scotland was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee.  Watch as Scotland delivered his speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or  read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full  Parade of Winners ceremony  which was streamed live on Facebook, or  see this year's complete list of winners .

Teacher of the Year

Smart/maher vfw national citizenship education teacher award, grades k-12.

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America. Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.

Please  review the new rules and eligibility requirements  and  complete the 2023 entry form and brochure  to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.  [VFW Post 10427 information found below .]

Scout of the Year

Some of our earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and perhaps none are stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America's scouting organizations. In fact, our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington.

Our Scout of the Year program provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to be recognized for their standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country. 

Before submitting your Scout of the Year application, please  review the rules and eligibility requirements . Please  download the VFW Scout of the Year brochure and entry form  to submit at your local VFW Post.  [VFW Post 10427 information found below .]

LOCAL VFW ENTRY FORM INFORMATION

Robert John Lehman Post VFW Post 10427 8760 RR 2243 Leander, TX 78641 (512) 260-8313 or VFW Post 10427 P.O. Box 648 Leander, TX 78641

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Patriot's Pen

About the program.

Patriot's Pen - A Youth Essay Writing Contest

Conducted nationwide, this Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. Students in 6th - 8th grades enter the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 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! 

2023-2024 Patriot's Pen Theme

"how are you inspired by america".

The Patriot’s Pen Program is judged on the following criteria:

Knowledge of the Theme (30 points) You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.

Theme Development (35 points) Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where, when and why. Relate the theme to your own experiences.

Clarity of Ideas (35 points) Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.

Patriot's Pen Forms

2022-2023 national winner.

Leighton Peters , a 7th grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot’s Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, “My Pledge to Our Veterans” won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

How Does The Contest Work

All entries begin at the VFW Post level. The only exception is  where schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15 students to the VFW Post. Individual students may submit their entry directly to the Post.

The contest consists of four levels. The first level (entry) is sponsored by VFW Posts. Post winners advance, one for every 15 entries, to the VFW District (regional) level where the one first-place winner is advanced to the VFW Department (state) level. The first-place winner at the Department level is then advanced into the VFW national competition.

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PATRIOT PEN

2023-2024 Patriot's Pen Essay Theme "How are you inspired by America" Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each 1st 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. Want to apply?  2023-2024 Patriots Pen Announcement Letter Click Here 2023-2024 Patriots Pen entry form Click here Score sheet for judging can be found here .    NOTE : PA has due dates different than those publicized by National VFW!        October 31, 2023-Student deadline Entry is midnight.        November 18, 2023 -Post judging completed.        December 3, 2023    District judging completed.        December 9, 2023   District Winner entry form, flash drive of essay, typed essay, head and shoulder photo of good quality, District summary report and District participation report must be sent to Department Chairman:    Pennsylvania VFW Patriot's Pen Chairman William (Bill) Lamond VFW Post 5207 (10) 3360 Nashotka Rd. Madison Twp, Pa.  18444 570-241-5875 [email protected]     December 11, 2023-Department judging  January 15, 2024-Department Winner and Reports submitted to VFW National HQ January 20, 2024-Annual Voice of Democracy Banquet-DoubleTree by Hilton-Pittsburgh Cranberry

Address 4002 Fenton Ave Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943 Contact Us via Email Fax: 717-234-1955

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen.

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,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

Address 2831 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 Contact Us via Email Phone: 704-332-3669

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PATRIOT'S PEN SCHOLARSHIP

Patriot's pen.

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 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,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  find your sponsoring   local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

Address SLC, UT Contact Us via Email Phone: 385-535-1692

Menu Home About Programs Resources News Contact Members Only

Links Site Admin Webmail Follow on Facebook VFW National VFW Store National Auxiliary Site

PATRIOT'S PEN

2024-2025 THEME: 

"My Voice in America's Democracy"

WHAT IS THE PATRIOT’S PEN?

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest.  

WHO CAN ENTER?

Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students are ineligible.)

PATRIOT’S PEN Deadlines: The deadlines for Patriot’s Pen are as follows:

 1.     Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post*

2.    November 15, Completion of Post judging**

3.    December 10, Completion of District judging**

4.    December 10, January 15, Posts need to submit report on dashboard to acknowledge that they participated in Patriot Pen*

5.    December 13, Email or fax a copy of your winning essay to the email or fax above*(Email preferred)

6.    December 15, District winning entry packet  with head shot picture of winner must be received by Department Chairman*

7.    January 10, Completion of Department judging**

8.    January 15, District participation reports to Department Chairman* District chairmen should roll up the post reports into one District report. All District reports must be received by 15 January and include the phone number and email address of the chairman of that district .*

9.    January 15, Districts must submit a report and approve post reports on dashboard to acknowledge that the posts and District participated in Patriot Pen*

10.  January 15, Department winners to National*

11.  January 31, Department reports to National*

  *required deadlines

**suggested deadlines

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters!

Mail them directly to the State Patriot’s Pen Chairman!

Department (State) Awards:

First, second, and third place state winners will receive awards presented by State Chairman at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Click here to view the Rules & Eligibility Requirements:  Patriots-Pen-Rules-and-Eligibility.pdf

Click here to download the current year Entry Form:  Patriots-Pen-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf

  Contact our State Patr iot's Pen Chairman for more information:

Address 10185 Mammoth Baton Rouge, LA 70814 Contact Us via Email Phone: 225.925.5025

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VFW Post 2197

Patriot’s Pen 2022-23

The 2022-23 theme is:  “my pledge to our veterans.”, 2022-2023 official entry form, for more information.

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 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,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  find your sponsoring VFW Post 2197 as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form here . 

About the past 2021-2022 winner …

Syed Ali, an eighth grade student from Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the 2021-2022  Patriot’s Pen  first place winner. His essay on the theme, “How Can I Be a Good American?” won him a $5,000 award. Syed was sponsored by New Iberia, Louisiana, VFW Post 1982.

Watch as Syed delivered his winning essay , during the VFW’s  virtual Parade of Winners  streamed live on Facebook, or see the  complete list of 2022 national winners .

PATRIOTS PEN

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  and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in 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

Address P.O. Box 9479 Hot Springs Village, AR 71910 Contact Us via Email Phone: 501-301-4304

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Vfw honors patriot pen winners, students wrote essays on veterans.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea Mya Zdrazil, center, a seventh-grader at Community Christian School in Fort Dodge, was awarded the third place prize in the Patriots Pen competition conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1856. The award was presented Wednesday evening by Roger Simonson, left, who coordinates the competition for the local VFW post, and Mary Lou Kirby, president of the post’s auxiliary.

When Elijah Lawrence sat down to write an essay about veterans, he was inspired by relatives who served in the military, including one who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Mya Zdrazil was motivated by her respect for everything veterans have done for her country when she wrote her essay.

The two Community Christian School students were among the winners of the annual Patriots Pen contest conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1856 in Fort Dodge.

The first, second and third place prizes were announced Wednesday evening at the VFW post.

The first place award went to Kieler Smith, an eighth grader at Community Christian School. Because he was ill Wednesday, he was not present to receive the award from VFW leaders.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea Elijah Lawrence, center, an eighth-grader at Community Christian School in Fort Dodge, won second place in the Patriots Pen essay competition held by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1856. He accepted the award Wednesday evening from Roger Simonson, left, who coordinates the competition for the local VFW post, and Mary Lou Kirby, the president of the post’s auxiliary.

He will receive a framed certificate and $100.

Roger Simonson, who coordinates the annual contest for the VFW, said Smith’s essay has been advanced to a district level competition that includes entries from 10 VFW posts.

Lawrence, also an eighth grader at Community Christian School, won second place. He received a framed certificate and $50.

Zdrazil, a seventh-grader at Community Christian School, won third place. She received a framed certificate and $25.

The students were challenged to write an essay entitled “My promise to veterans.”

“I just thought of my great-uncle,” Lawrence said.

His great uncle, George Bendick Jr., died while serving in the Army.

One of his great-grandfathers, Bill Lawrence, survived the Dec. 7. 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that thrust the United States into World War II.

Another great-grandfather, George Bendick, also served in the military.

Zdrazil said “just thinking about what all the veterans did” helped her write her essay.

She said she worked on her essay over the course of two days.

The Patriots Pen competition, held every fall, is open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

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PATRIOT PEN

2022-2023 "PATRIOT’S PEN” ESSAY Program

"My Pledge to Our Veterans"

All information pertaining to the theme, judging, eligibility, awards, and other aspects of this program are contained in the Veterans of Foreign Wars program booklet for the Patriot’s Pen Essay Program.  District Chairmen are responsible to ensure that their District programs are conducted within these rules and deadlines.   Make sure that you distribute copies of your program to all Posts in your District in enough time to ensure a successful competition.

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Program is a joint program with the VFW Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Michigan.  The Auxiliary does not need the permission of a Post to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Program.  Post and District Chairmen are expected to include their VFW Auxiliary counterparts in all activities concerning the conduct of local and District programs. Coordination of the District program is the sole responsibility of each District Chairman. Post Chairmen must refer to their District program for their District program requirements and deadline dates.  

  Judging the Contest

The suggested number of judges is five to nine (or a minimum of three).  Judges should be from outside your Posts/Auxiliaries and should represent your community.  Judges must not be connected in any way with the students in the competition.  Set the date for your judging and invite the judges at least 90 days in advance.  Remind them a week before the competition with a letter or email, and two days before with a phone call.

Eligibility

Sixth (6th), Seventh (7th) and Eighth (8th) grade students in public, private, parochial, and home schools in the State of Michigan.  Former first place winners at the State and National level competition or any foreign exchange student are not eligible.  Students do not have to be relatives of a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or its VFW Auxiliary to participate.  

Essays must be typed, or computer printed in English, between 300-400 words, on a single sheet of paper, with no added color or art.            

Posts 

To receive credit for participation in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Program, a Post MUST  SPONSOR THE PROGRAM IN THEIR COMMUNITY.  While it is important to offer the Patriot’s Pen Essay Program in our schools, it is not solely a program for the schools.  You may offer the competition to any sixth, seventh or eighth grade student.  Foreign exchange students are not eligible.  All entries MUST be submitted directly to the Post.  They may be sponsored through local schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, Junior ROTC programs, etc.  The Post is encouraged to solicit participants from as many sources as possible.  

The Post will hold their own judging and may submit to District the number of students permitted by the following breakdown.  

• 1-15 student participants = 1 top Post entry is allowed to advance to District
• 16-30 student participants = 2 top Post entries are allowed to advance to District
• 31-45 student participants = 3 top Post entries are allowed to advance to District Etc.

 (Note: No Limit)

Posts may advance as many winners as they select based on the total number of students participating.  Post judging is the responsibility of the Post Chairman and must be conducted in accordance with the National Judging Criteria.   

The Post may forward each 1st place winning entry to District.  Each student entry submitted by a Post to District must be an equal 1st place winner.  This means each Post student entry sent to District must receive the same award.  For example, a Post has 55 student entries and is eligible to send four entries to District for judging.  These four entries must each receive an equal first place award from the Post. If the Post lists them as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th place, then they can only send in one entry as the 1st place winner. 

  School/Youth Group  Competition Alternatives

We offer teachers/youth leaders the option to use the Voice of Democracy as a writing exercise.  The teacher/leader may submit all the entries to the Post for judging or conduct a judging within the group/class and advance a winner for every 15 participants.  Note: The Post Chairman should make this decision; working closely with the teacher or group leader.

School/Youth Group to Post

• 1-15 student participants =   1 top Post entry is allowed to advance to District
• 31-45 student participants = 3 top Post entries are allowed to advance to District Etc. 

  (Note: No Limit)

Each District shall be responsible for the conduct of the program and judging of entries within their District.  District Chairmen are expected to promote the expansion of the program by encouraging the participation of additional Posts.  It is not always possible to restrict sponsorship strictly along VFW District boundaries.  Posts may solicit student participation from any geographical area within the State of Michigan if they do not interfere with the sponsorship of other Posts.  District Chairmen are expected to assist Posts in the coordination of sponsorship of all schools in their District.  It is unacceptable that a school is not contacted.  

Each District may submit only one entry to the Department for judging.  This entry must be certified on the proper National Entry Form by the District Chairman to be the District First Place Winner of the District Program judging.  

The following items MUST accompany the District entry to Department for judging.  

• One student essay in accordance with the above rules.
• One completed student entry from the National Program booklet
• One good quality head and shoulder photograph. Wallet size.
• One signed student release form provided by Department.
• One State Biographical Questionnaire for the District Winner.

It is the responsibility of the District Chairman to ensure that all materials are included.  Any entry that does not include all materials may not be judged.

To obtain program credit the Post Chairman portion of the Student Entry Form must be completed and submitted to District with each Post entry.  The form must include the number of students participating from the school and the approximate cost for the program and awards for that school.  Proper credit cannot be given without this information.  District Chairmen are required to prepare and submit a consolidated report of Post participation within their District using the District Report Form and the District Summary Form.  These reports should accompany the District entry to Department.  

Deadline for Post sponsored program entries is October 31, 2022 .  Post judging may not be held before November 1, 2022 and must be completed in time to ensure that winning entries are delivered to the District Chairmen by November 16, 2022 . 

District judging may not be held before November 16, 2022 and must be completed in time to ensure that the winning entry with all required materials are delivered to the Department Director by December 16, 2022 . District judging is the responsibility of the District Chairman to be conducted in accordance with the National Judging Criteria.

The Department deadline for District entries is December 16, 2022 .  This deadline is ABSOLUTE, and it includes all paperwork.  Department judging will be closed and will be the responsibility of the Department Committee.  Be advised that the state judging will be attended only by the VFW Department Committee Members, VFW State Auxiliary Committee Members, and the State Judges. The Committee has the sole authority to disqualify from the Department judging any entry which is in violation of the rules as stated in the Department Program and the National Program booklet.   

It is the responsibility of the Post, District and Department adjutants to input the Patriotic Pen entries into the All-American Dashboard. This is to include all monetary values spent on this event. Failure to do so can cause the Post to show a Not Met in this category.

All Post and District awards are the responsibility of those organizations.

Department awards will be presented at the 2023 Department of Michigan Mid-Winter Conference.  District winners receiving Department awards will be invited to the Mid-Winter Conference and are expected to be present.  The sponsoring District must assume the cost of their winner’s transportation, meals, and lodging.  Department will provide each District winner with one banquet ticket.  Banquet tickets for family members and other guests are the sole responsibility of the District in cooperation with the sponsoring Post.  

• Patriot's Pen Student Entry Form
• Student Biographical Questionnaire
• School Release Form
• Patriot's Pen District Reporting Packet
• Patriot's Pen Score Sheet

Michael Martin, Director

199 East 34th St, Apt 1

Holland MI 49423

616-594-9151

[email protected]

Evelyn Avery

Dept Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman

44936 CR 352

Decatur MI 49045

269-423-8129

[email protected]

Address 12440 NE Halsey St. Portland, OR 97230 Contact Us via Email

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen.

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 more than $1.4 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,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

Address 35 E Chestnut St Ste 506 Columbus, OH 43215 Contact Us via Email Phone: 614-224-1838 Fax: 614-224-3861

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2022 – 2023 Patriots Pen

Patriot’s pen.

Each year more than 138,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $900,000 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 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

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. Want to apply?  Read the rules and eligibility requirements , and download the  2020-21 entry form application  as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring  local VFW Post  by  midnight, Oct. 31 .

The 2022-23 theme is: “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

PATRIOT PEN

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. 

The Arizona 2022- 2023 Patriot's Pen winner was, Avery Hicks from Kingman! He represented Arizona on the national level and won 7th place. Check out the complete list of National Scholarship winners!

-------------------------------------------------------- 

2023-2024 PATRIOT’S PEN ESSAY PROGRAM

" How are you Inspired by America ? ”

All information pertaining to the theme, judging, eligibility, awards, and other aspects of this program are contained in the Veterans of Foreign Wars program booklet for the Annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Program.  District Commanders are responsible to ensure that their District Chairman are conducting their programs within these rules and deadlines.  District Commanders are solely responsible for the conduct of the programs within their Districts.  Make sure that copies of this program are distributed to all the Posts within your District in sufficient time to ensure that there is a successful competition.

Judging the Contest

The suggested number of judges is five to nine, with a minimum of three.  Judges should be from outside your Posts and Auxiliaries and should represent your community.  Judges must not in any way be connected to the students in the competition.  Set the date for your judging and invite the judges at least 60 days in advance.  Remind them a week before the competition with a letter or email, and two days before with a phone call.

Eligibility

Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade students in public, private, parochial, and home schools in the State of Arizona.  Former first place winners at the State and National level of competition or any Foreign Exchange students are not eligible. Students do not have to be relatives of a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or its VFW Auxiliary to participate.

Essays must be typed, or computer printed in English, between 300-400 words, on a single sheet of paper, with no added color or art.

To receive credit for participation in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition, a Post must sponsor the program in their community. While it is important to offer the Patriot’s Pen Essay Program in our schools, it is not solely a program for the schools.  You may offer the competition to any sixth, seventh, or eighth grade student.  All entries must be submitted directly to the Post. They may be sponsored through local schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, Junior ROTC programs, the home schooled, etc.  Posts are encouraged to solicit participants from as many sources as possible.  The Post will hold their own judging and may submit to the District the number of students permitted by the following:

·        1-15 Student Participants:  1 Top Post entry is allowed to advance to District.

·        16-30 Student Participants: 2 Top Post entries are allowed to advance to District.

·        31-45 Student Participants: 3 Top Post entries are allowed to advance to District, etc.

Note:  No Limit

Posts may advance as many winners as they select based on the total number of students participating.  Post judging is the responsibility of the Post Chairman and must be conducted in accordance with the National Judging Criteria.  The Post may forward each first-place winning entry to the District.  Each student entry submitted by a Post to the District must be an equal first place winner. This means that each Post student entry must receive the same award.  For example, a Post has fifty-five student entries and is eligible to send four entries to the District for judging.  Those four entries must each receive an equal first place award from the Post.  If the Post lists them as first, second, third and fourth place, then they can only send in one entry as the first-place winner.  Note:  First place Post winner’s entry packets must include a completed Student Biographical Questionnaire and School Release Form when sent to the District.  Post packets will not be accepted unless complete.

Each District shall be responsible for the conduct of the program and judging of entries within their District.  District Chairman are expected to promote the expansion of the program by encouraging the participation of additional Posts.  It is not always possible to restrict sponsorship strictly along VFW District Boundaries.  Posts may solicit student participation from any geographical area within the State of Arizona if they do not interfere with the sponsorship of other Posts.  District Chairman are expected to assist Posts in the coordination of sponsorship of all schools in the District.  It is unacceptable that a school is not contacted.  Each District may submit only one entry to the Department for judging. This entry must be certified on the proper National Entry Form by the District Chairman to be the District First place winner of the District Program Judging.  The following items MUST accompany the District Entry to the Department for Judging:

·        One Student Essay in accordance with the above rules.

·        One completed student entry from the National Program Booklet.

·        A quality head and shoulder photograph, wallet size only.

·        One typed copy of the student’s essay.

·        One signed Student Release Form (Link below).

·        One Student Biographical Questionnaire (Link below) must accompany your District Winner.

It is the responsibility of District Chairman to ensure that all materials are included.  Any entry that does not include all the required above items may not be judged.

To obtain program credit the Post Chairman portion of the Student Entry Form must be completed and submitted to the District with each Post entry.  The form must include the number of students participating from the school and the approximate cost for the program and awards.  Proper credit cannot be given without this information.  District Chairman are required to submit a consolidated report of Post participation within their District using the District Report form and the District Summary Form.  The reports MUST accompany the District Entry to Department.  It is the responsibility of the Post, District, and Department Adjutants to input the Patriot’s entries into the All-American Dashboard.  This is to include all monetary values spent on this event.  Failure to do so can cause the Post, District, and/or Department to show a NOT MET in this category.

The deadline for Post sponsored entries is October 31, 2023.   Post judging may not be held before November 1, 2023, and must be completed in time to ensure that winning entries are delivered to the District Chairman by November 16, 2023.    District judging may not be held before November 16, 2023 , and must be completed in time to ensure that the winning entry with all required materials are in the hands of the Department Director by December 16, 2023.   The Department deadline for District entries is December 16, 2023 .  This deadline is absolute, and it includes all paperwork.  Department judging will be closed and will be the responsibility of the Department Committee. Please be advised that the state judging will be attended only by the VFW Department Committee members, VFW State Auxiliary Committee members, and the State Judges.  The Committee has the authority to disqualify from the Department judging any entry which is in violation of the rules as stated in the Department Program and the National Program Booklet.

All Post and District awards are the responsibility of those organizations.  Department awards will be presented at the 2024 Department of Arizona Winter Conference.  All District winners are expected to be present.  Each District must assume the cost of their winner’s transportation, meals, and lodging. Department will provide each District winner with one banquet ticket.  Banquet tickets for family members and other guests are the sole responsibility of the District in cooperation with the sponsoring Post.

Address , AZ Contact Us via Email

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Each year more than 84,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $55,000 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 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

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.

The 2023-24 theme is "How are you inspired by America" 

Want to Apply?  R ead the rules and eligibility requirements found on the below Entry Form.

PP Entry Form

VOD/PP Chairman's Manual

PP District to Department Chairman Summary

PP District to Department Post Awards Report

PP Score Sheet

VOD-PP Donation Flyer

Address 3401 Knipp Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65109 Contact Us via Email Phone: 573-636-8761 Fax: 573-636-2664

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PATRIOT'S PEN

The veterans of foreign wars believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism. that’s why we encourage youthful minds to examine our nation’s history and their own experiences in modern american society through our patriot’s pen youth essay-writing contest.  each year more than 125,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the veterans of foreign wars (vfw) patriot’s pen youth essay contest. the first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $50,000, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level. the national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to washington, d.c., in march..

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.

Who can enter?  The competition is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in public, private or parochial school or home study program in the U.S., its territories or its possessions. Dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools can participate too. (Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National finals are excluded from the contest.)

What do students need to do to enter?  Students submit a 300 – 400 word original essay on the theme listed below. See the rules for details.

The 2021-2022 theme is:   " How Can I Be A Good American? "

Read the  rules and eligibility requirements

Download and complete the  2021 - 2022 Patriot's Pen entry form

Deadline:  Submit your entry to a local VFW Post by  October 31st .

Address PO Box 1512 Monument, CO 80132-1512 Contact Us via Email Phone: (719) 375-5464

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7829, Third Wednesday, 7pm. Contact POC VFW Post 7829 Communication Committee  [email protected]

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Buoyed by Election, Meloni Basks in Spotlight as Italy Hosts G7

The Italian prime minister was a rare leader to be fortified by the vote for the European Parliament. This week she has a chance to show her influence on an even broader stage.

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By Emma Bubola

Emma Bubola reported from Giorgia Meloni’s election-night headquarters in Rome and from Savelletri, the town in Apulia where Italy will host the G7 this week.

Five years ago, when her party won 6 percent of the vote in elections for the European Parliament, Giorgia Meloni tried to pop a bottle of sparkling wine, but the cork awkwardly flopped among some supporters.

This week Ms. Meloni, now Italy’s prime minister, emerged as a big winner in the elections, and she and dozens of members of her Brothers of Italy party celebrated at a five-star hotel in Rome where waiters carried the wine bottles in silver basins filled with ice. The hard-right party took nearly 29 percent of the vote. The victory was all the more significant because Ms. Meloni was the only leader of a major Western European country to emerge reinforced from the balloting.

For Ms. Meloni, the lift could hardly have come at a better time. All eyes are on Italy this week as Ms. Meloni prepares to host a summit of the Group of 7 major economies for three days starting on Thursday. It’s another opportunity to cast herself as a legitimate member of the club of the world’s most influential leaders.

“This nation goes to the G7 and to Europe with the strongest government of all,” she told supporters early on Monday after the results came in. “They could not stop us.”

The European elections represented a rightward shift not just for the European Parliament, but for European politics. Ms. Meloni made herself a figurehead for that movement, working to lead the hard right into the mainstream .

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