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 National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on their National Advisory List of Contests for participation.
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.
Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31st. Download and complete the 2024-2025 entry form here.
The 2025-26 theme is:
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
Contacts for turning in the complete applications are:
Chairman: Murdock Gilmore 985-226-2812
Commander: Ray Bergeron 985-209-3928
