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 2025 - 2026 entry form application as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31.

Would you like to be a judge for this program? Email the Youth Activities Chairperson (CMD@vfw1841.org).

The 2025-26 theme is: "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

Post Winners:

Previous Post Winners:

2024 - 2025 - "My Voice in America’s Democracy?" 

     Post Winner: Carly Messer

     First Runner Up: Cole Belcher 

     Second Runner Up: Haden Murphy 

2023 - 2024 - "How Are You Inspired by America"

     Post Winner: Rayna Stowbridge

     First Runner Up: Ella Thacker

     Second Runner Up: Charlotte Brock