vfw essay contest

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

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PATRIOTS PEN/VOD

2024-2025 

Voice of Democracy

"Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision ?" Application

Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2024

Patriotic Audio Essay Competition Grand Prize: $35,000 Award 

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with an unique opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 80,000 High School students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships.

Record your original 3-5 minute audio essay on a flash drive or on other electronic device. You will submit the recording, a typed essay and send the completed entry form to your local participating post.

Patriot's Pen

"My Voice In America's Democracy" Application

 Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2024

Patriotic Written Essay Competition Grand Prize: $5,000 Award

Each year, more than 84,000 students participate in the VFW Patriots Pen contest expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. Students from the 6th, 7th and 8th grade submit an essay 300-400 words in length.  Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in National awards.

You will submit the typed essay (no colors or graphics) and the completed entry form to your local participating post.

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VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2024-2025 Theme Coming March 2024

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 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 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-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply?

VOD Deadlines:

Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post

  December 13, District Winners due to Department Chairman

Rules and Eligibility Requirements: VOD Rules / Eligibility

Download the 2024-2025 VOD Entry Form here: Coming soon

Voice of Democracy National Awards List

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters.  Mail them directly to the State Voice of Democracy Chairman!

POST PARTICIPATION REPORTING PACKET

DISTRICT PARTICIPATION REPORTING PACKET (by POST):

DISTRICT VOD / PP WINNER REPORT:

Click Here 

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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 .

VFW Post 3617

Wenatchee valley veterans & families, patriot’s pen & youth essay.

Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. 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 national first-place winner receives $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $54,500, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level.

How to enter

The Theme for 2023 is: “How Are You Inspired by America?”

Review the [ Rules & Eligibility ]. Download the [ entry form ]. Complete the form and submit it with the written essay to our Post by 31 Oct 2023 . Entries can be mailed in or dropped off during open hours.

Past Winners

2021 – “How Can I Be a Good American?”

2020 – “What is Patriotism to Me?” 1 st : Rachel Carter, Valley Academy of Learning, Wenatchee

2017 – “America’s Gift to My Generation” 1 st : Claire Countryman-Logstrom, Eastmont Jr. High 2 nd : Katelin Neff, Sterling Intermediate School 3 rd : Ella Fillion, Sterling Intermediate School

2016 – “The America I Believe In” 1 st : Colby Hull, Sterling Intermediate School 2 nd : Isaac Darlington, Sterling Intermediate School

2015 1 st : Libby Marcoux, Pioneer Middle School 2 nd : Issac Darlington, Sterling Intermediate School 3 rd : Rae Ann Dressel, Pioneer Middle School

2014 1 st : Aiden Larsen, Eastmont Jr. High 2 nd : Marissa Ann Geesey, Waterville School 3 rd : Grace B. Rodriquez, Icicle River Middle School

2013 – “What Patriotism Means to Me” 1 st : McKenzie Ayers 2 nd : Jarred Barnes 3 rd : Domonique Villeia

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Washington State offers an additional Youth Essay opportunity for students in Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades to submit a written essay of up to 250 words. There will be a Post winner FOR EACH GRADE, as well as a State Winner FOR EACH GRADE. Awards are at the discretion of the local Posts and their Auxiliaries, as are the District Awards.

The Theme for 2023 is “What does the word “Veteran” mean to you?”

Download the [ entry form ], which includes Rules & Eligibility information on page 2. Complete the form and submit it with the written essay to our Post by 31 Oct 2023 . Entries can be mailed in or dropped off during open hours.

2017 – “What Does a Veteran Mean to Me?” 1 st : Alex Anguiano, Washington Elementary 2 nd : Khloe Suppes, Waterville Elementary 3 rd : Isabela Orr, Lewis & Clark Elementary

2016 1 st : RyAnne Barnes, Clovis Elementary 2 nd : Andrea Hernandez, Lewis & Clark Elementary 3 rd : Alex Anguiano, Washington Elementary

2015 Jessalyn Alcazar, Mission View Elementary

2014 1 st : Layni Schmultzer, Grant Elementary 2 nd : Denise Sanchez, Sterling School 3 rd : Natalie Daggett, Sterling School

2013 1 st : Makenna Schwab 2 nd : Natteag Daris 3 rd : Cynthia Monravalo

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YOUTH ESSAYS

Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

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 .

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VFW essay contests underway

• Sep 22, 2021

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) announces the kick-off of the 2021-2022 VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen’s scholarship competitions.

The VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions are dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of the U.S. and fostering patriotism among youth. Students are asked to submit an essay in response to a question or statement on a subject which prompts them to consider how American history and democratic ideals and principles apply to their lives.

This year’s Voice of Democracy theme asks students to contemplate: “America: Where do we go from here?” The Voice of Democracy scholarship competition is an audio-essay open to students in grades 9-12. The national winner will receive the $30,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship Award. Two years ago, the national winner was from Nebraska.

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The Patriot Pen’s competition is open to students in grades 6-8. This year, students are asked to reflect on the statement: “How can I be a good American?” The national winner will receive a $5,000 award.

Student participates are asked to submit their entry, along with a completed entry form, to their participating VFW post. The deadline for student entries in both contests is Oct. 31 to the local VFW Post.

There are also cast prizes for the local post, district and state judging.

For more information or forms, contact Tom Arends, 308-631-1198 or visit VFW Post #1681 in Gering, 8 to 10 a.m.

Information is available on the website. vfwne.org under the VOD and Patriot Pen Program sections.

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VFW Post 8870 announces student essay contest

Edmonds-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870 is again sponsoring its student essay contest, which is open for all students residing in the Edmonds and Mukilteo School Districts. Students attending private schools or being home-schooled are eligible to enter the contest.

The Youth Essay Program is for students in grades 3-5. It requires an essay, not to exceed 250 words, that should address the topic, “What does the word “veteran” mean to you?” Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three essay winners in each of the three grade levels.

Students in grades 6-8 are eligible to enter the “Patriot’s Pen” program. This requires a 300- to 400-word written essay on the topic, “How are you inspired by America?” Cash prizes are awarded for the first-, second- and third-place winning essays.

“Voice of Democracy,” the third program, is an audio essay contest for students in grade 9-12. To enter, a student must prepare a three- to five-minute recording that addresses the topic, “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?” Cash prizes will be awarded to the three entries judged to be the best.

The winning entries in each of the three contests will be forwarded to the VFW District level for further consideration.

Detailed instructions as well as an entry form that must accompany each submission can be obtained online here . All contest entries, along with the completed entry form, must be submitted to VFW Post 8870 no later than Oct. 31, 2023. Youth Essay and Patriot Pen entries may be submitted online to [email protected] or they can be mailed to VFW Post 8870, P.O. Box 701, Edmonds, WA 98020. Voice of Democracy entries must be mailed to the Post.

Questions regarding the student essay program may be directed to Donald Stapleton at 425-563-9797.

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Winners of the VFW Essay Contests Announced

Community March 23, 2023 Staff 0

Connor Wiik took first place in the Voice of Democracy essay contest sponsored by Milbank VFW Post 3486 and VFW Auxiliary 3486. Alyssa Feather was the second-place winner. Lilly Dreis penned the third-place essay. “Why is the Veteran Important?” was the theme for 2023.

Wiik’s essay advanced to the district level with the potential to continue on to the state level. The state winner received an all-expenses paid trip to the national event in Washington, D.C. Scotland Stewart, a sophomore at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee, was selected as the national first-place winner and received a $35,000 scholarship. The second-place winner, Siri Corson, a junior at Fillmore Central High School in Harmony, Minnesota, was awarded the $21,000 Charles Kuralt Memorial Scholarship.

Addison Brown was the author of the winning essay in the local Patriot’s Pen contest designed for sixth through eighth graders. This year, students submitted essays on the theme “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

Ryland Wendland earned second place. Andrew Karels was named third. All are seventh graders. Honorable mention awards went to Keaton Johnson, also a seventh grader, and Kylynn Schwandt, a sixth grader.

All of Milbank’s top essays in the Patriot’s Pen division advanced to the district competition. The district winners continued on to the state contest, and the state winner received an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. Leighton Peters, a seventh grader from Rice lake, Wisconsin, was chosen as the national winner. She received a $5000 scholarship for her essay. The Patriot’s Pen second place winner, Nolan Green, of Monticello, Minnesota,  received a $4,000 award. 

Locally, the top three places in each of the contests received a medal, a certificate, and a monetary prize. Honorable mentions received a certificate and a monetary prize.

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign War’s (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. Nationally, over $2 million are awarded in educational scholarships and incentives through this program.  

Winners of the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy for the Milbank area include: 1st Place:  Connor Wiik, 2nd Place: Alyssa Feather, 3rd Place: Lilly Dreis 

Winners of the 2022-2023 Patriot’s Pen for the Milbank area include:   1st Place: Addison Brown (7th grader), 2nd Place: Rylan Wendland (7th grader), 3rd Place:  Andrew Karels (7th grader), Honorable Mentions: Keaton Johnson (7th grader) and Kylynn Schwandt (6th grader)

Submitted Photos: Top- Connor Wiik and Lilly Dreis. Bottom Photo-back row left to right, Keaton Johnson, Kylynn Schwandt. Front row, Addison Brown, Rylan Wendland and Andrew Karels.

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Serving the Lake Whitney Area Since 1988

The Lakelander

Local 6th grader wins Texas VFW essay contest

Editor: Shannon Cottongame

February 2, 2022

Lake Whitney Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12176 is proud to announce that a young lady from Whitney who participated in the recent Patriot’s Pen essay scholarship contest won first place for the State of Texas out of over 4,900 entries in grades six through eight.

Karlie Barnes is the 11-year-old daughter of a Whitney veteran who wrote her essay titled “Remember” for the youth essay contest on how to be a good American. Her essay won first place at the local level, first place at the district level then went on to win first place for the entire State of Texas.

Karlie was invited along with her family to attend the Texas State VFW Mid-Winter Conference in Corpus Christi, where she was presented a plaque, a $1,000 scholarship and asked to read her essay in front of the Texas State Veterans of Foreign Wars members, the auxiliary, guests and their families aboard the USS Lexington Saturday, January 22.

As the state winner, her essay will be judged at the VFW’s national level representing Whitney and the state in the coming months.

The following is the essay written by a remarkable and humble 11-year-old sixth grader whose perspective of life and history is wise beyond her years:

How Can I Be A Good American? Remember

The question of “How can I be a good American” can be answered with one word. Remember. Remember what my freedom cost and remember to appreciate it.

Every morning when I am getting ready for school, brushing my hair and my teeth, I can hear the brake release on my dad’s wheelchair. That sound is something so familiar that I can pick it out in a grocery store several aisles over during the busiest time of day. That sound happens because after surviving the war, my daddy came home in a wheelchair with legs that did not work the way they did when he left. Being a good American is remembering that every day, talking about the value of his sacrifice and remembering to tell him that he is valued.

My daddy tells me often that learning about history is important because if we do not remember how we got to this time then we won’t appreciate the cost that it came with. I have been learning more about American history this school year and there are so many things that I get to have freely and easily like clothes, food and water, and more that came at a cost at one time. Now when my family goes shopping or goes on adventures, we like to look up the history of things related to that so we can know more about it and so we can remember.

Remembering, to me, means a lot more several times a year. My daddy was in New York when 9/11happened many years before I was born so we remember that day for what happened, what came from it and what we became as country after it. The day my daddy became paralyzed is another day that we remember. We remember it as a day that the plan for his life changed and was given a new purpose because we believe in my house that everything has a purpose for the Glory of our Savior.

My family has taught me that even though we have a very different life because of where we came from, it is important to remember that all families are like this. Every family has a story of where they came from and how they made it to here and being a good American means remembering that every day

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VFW Post 8870 announces student essay contest

Edmonds-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870 is again sponsoring its student essay contest, which is open for all students residing in the Edmonds and Mukilteo School Districts. Students attending private schools or being home-schooled are eligible to enter the contest.

The Youth Essay Program is for students in grades 3-5. It requires an essay, not to exceed 250 words, that should address the topic, “What does the word “veteran” mean to you?” Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three essay winners in each of the three grade levels.

Students in grades 6-8 are eligible to enter the “Patriot’s Pen” program. This requires a 300- to 400-word written essay on the topic, “How are you inspired by America?” Cash prizes are awarded for the first-, second- and third-place winning essays.

“Voice of Democracy,” the third program, is an audio essay contest for students in grade 9-12. To enter, a student must prepare a three- to five-minute recording that addresses the topic, “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?” Cash prizes will be awarded to the three entries judged to be the best.

The winning entries in each of the three contests will be forwarded to the VFW District level for further consideration.

Detailed instructions as well as an entry form that must accompany each submission can be obtained online here . All contest entries, along with the completed entry form, must be submitted to VFW Post 8870 no later than Oct. 31, 2023. Youth Essay and Patriot Pen entries may be submitted online to [email protected] or they can be mailed to VFW Post 8870, P.O. Box 701, Edmonds, WA 98020. Voice of Democracy entries must be mailed to the Post.

Questions regarding the student essay program may be directed to Donald Stapleton at 425-563-9797.

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VFW Opens Annual Youth Patriotic Scholarship Contests

The programs award more than $3 million to middle and high school students.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is now accepting entries for its 2022-23 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. America’s high school students will be required to answer, “Why Is the Veteran Important?” while middle school students will have the opportunity to declare, “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open to all students in grades 9-12, with the top national prize scholarship totaling $30,000. Nearly 25,000 high school students compete in the annual competition. This year’s winner, Daniela Mare, was sponsored by VFW Post 9486 and its Auxiliary in Centereach, New York. Listen to her award-winning audio-essay here .

Open to all students in grades 6-8, more than 68,800 students participate annually in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition. Syed Ali, the 2021-2022 Patriot’s Pen first place winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 521 and its Auxiliary in New Iberia, Louisiana. Listen to his award-winning entry here .

Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is Oct. 31, 2022.

Find your local VFW Post , or read more about the contests .  

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Patriots pen.

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 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. Want to apply?  Read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  download and complete the 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen entry form  as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring  local VFW Post  by  midnight, Oct. 31 .

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 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 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-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. Want to apply? Read  the rules and eligibility requirements , and  download and complete the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy entry form  as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring  local VFW Post  by  midnight, Oct. 31 .

Teacher of the Year

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, we should have the 2021 nomination form available shortly so you can nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the  Oct. 31 deadline .

National Military Services Provides for Veterans

Sometimes even a hero needs help. Often times, the people willing to give up everything for our country have to make sacrifices that affect their personal lives and the lives of their families. That is where the VFW’s National Military Services (NMS) comes in. 

NMS consists of three main programs that exist to provide assistance for veterans and military personnel: 

Military Assistance Program  (MAP), 

VFW Operation UplinkTM

Unmet Needs .

Each program has its own specific functions

to serve our nation’s military.  

The MAP program connects the VFW with the military community. VFW Posts, Districts and Departments receive grants from the program to promote involvement. One of the most popular ways this is done is by adopting a unit, where the Post, District or Department raises funds for troops overseas and supports them with care packages, cards, etc.

Operation Uplink is a program that provides troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait with Free Call Days that allow them to call home to the U.S. for free for as long as they can talk. This program has connected over 7.2 million deployed service members to their loved ones since 2006.

The Unmet Needs program provides grants to the service members and their families to assist with qualifying financial hardships. The money is distributed directly to creditors to help the family through their hardship. Over 3,300 grants have been provided to military families since 2004. 

More than 80 percent of support received from VFW members and patriotic Americans is applied directly to veterans’ services, community service, legislative advocacy and military service programs like these. The VFW and its National Military Services work hard to make sure that  NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS . 

To learn more about the VFW National Military Services programs, click  here .

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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!

• Media & Events
• VFW Legislative Conference

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 .

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Patriot's Pen

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