vfw essay contest my pledge to our veterans

PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen 2022-2023 theme is: "my pledge to our veterans.".

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 2022-2023 entry form here . 

  Patriot’s Pen Scholarship

Students compete by writing an essay on an annual patriotic theme. 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and national level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000.  The Patriot’s Pen essay is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline.

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VFW Post 2197

Patriot’s Pen

2022-2023 Theme “My Pledgeto our Veterans.”

Student Entry Deadline: 31 October 2022

Patriotic written essay competition grand prize: $5,000 award.

What is the Patriot’s Pen Program? 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 84,000 students who participated last year in this contest.

Why Should I Enter? Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and national level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000 .

The Internal Revenue Service requires a recipient awarded more than $599 be given Form 1099 identifying the proceeds as taxable income. This may require the winner to provide their social security number.

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.

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. 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 or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.)

How Do I Get Started? • Ask a teacher or youth group/club adult leader to supervise the Patriot’s Pen writing contest. • Contact a participating VFW Post and indicate your interest in participating. • Establish a contact person who is a member of that VFW Post or its VFW Auxiliary. • Make sure that your essay is submitted to the VFW Post before the contest deadline of Oct. 31, 2022. You can submit your essay and entry form by email upon the Post’s approval. Entries sent to the VFW National Headquarters directly will be returned.

How Am I Judged? Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points: You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.

Theme development is worth 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 is worth 35 points: Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.

What Is the Theme? VFW’s Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year’s theme.

The 2022-2023 theme is:

“My Pledge To Our Veterans.”

Deadline Information. To qualify, all entries must be submitted to a sponsoring VFW Post by midnight October 31, 2022.

Note: If you need help finding a participating VFW Post, follow these instructions:

First, visit vfw.org/FindaPost to “Find a VFW Post.”

If you don’t have success in finding a Post, or if you have trouble contacting them, you can contact your VFW Department (state) headquarters office to see if they can offer any information or assistance. You can visit vfw.org/contactus to look for “Find a State Contact” to get your VFW state office’s phone number and Email.

For assistance contact the VFW National Headquarters at 816.756.3390 ext. 6155 Email: [email protected]

2022-2023 PATRIOT'S PEN

The VFW has announced the topics for the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth essay competitions.

Patriot’s Pen -- "My Pledge to Our Veterans”

Address 3300 Constitution Drive Springfield, IL 62711 Contact Us via Email Phone: 217-529-6688 Fax: 217-546-3415

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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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SERVING VETERANS & THE COMMUNITIES OF ST. CROIX COUNTY

-CHARTERED OCTOBER 30, 1989

VFW PATRIOT'S PEN

Each year more than 125,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s 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.

YOU TOO CAN WIN $5,000!

1st place winner from vfw post 10818 will win $300.

WHO CAN ENTER:  

The Patriot’s Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8 who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or a home school program in the United States and its territories. VFW Post 10818 can accept applicants from the entire St. Croix County region.

HOW TO ENTER:

Students can enter by submitting their essay along with a signed entry form to their teachers. The essay and application can also be emailed to our Post for submission by the deadline date.

Telephone: (715) 246-0226

Email: [email protected]

SUBMISSION FORM

The 2022-23 theme for the Patriot's Pen is:  My Pledge to our veterans.

Deadline — the completed essay and entry form must be in the hands of the vfw no later than midnight october 31, 2022..

JUDGING CRITERIA:

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

Theme development is worth 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 is worth 35 points. Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Essay length: 300-400 typewritten words.

You must write your own essay.

All essays should be typewritten in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length. (Essays under or over these word amounts will be eliminated.) Every word is counted regardless of length. The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count.

In no way may contestants identify themselves in their essay. Do not put your name on your essay. The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your essay. Essays must be written exclusively for this competition. Use of the same essay for other competitions will result in disqualification. Contestants are allowed to enter only once (one Post competition). Contestants found in violation of this rule will face elimination from the competition and will be required to return any and all prize money awarded or received.

The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant’s. Contestants will be judged on the basis of their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally. All essays become the property of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW retains non-exclusive rights to use your essay and likeness in the promotion and execution of the organization’s programs and activities.

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'It Felt Like a Dream'

After accepting the $35,000 t.c. selman memorial scholarship, a high school sophomore from tennessee explained what motivated him.

When Scotland Stewart sat down to ponder the 2022-23 Voice of Democracy (VOD) audio-essay prompt — “Why is the veteran important?” — the 15-year-old high school sophomore had only to look at his parents.

Raised by Air Force and Navy veterans, who themselves were raised by veterans, the VOD question was a deep and personal introspection on Stewart’s own family ethos.

“Pretty much everyone in my mom and dad’s families served in the military,” said Stewart, who won the 2022-23 VOD top prize, the $35,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship, in March. “I have followed their example my whole life, so I’ve always had the foundation and understanding of the importance of veterans and their impact on our country.”

“These are simple words to most of us, but to our nation’s veterans, these are their core values in life,” wrote Stewart, whose essay was sponsored by VFW Post 1893 in Estill Springs, Tennessee. “These words sustained them as they defended us.”

Stewart, whose father, Jerry, deployed during Operation Desert Storm, continued his essay by noting how shameful it is that U.S. citizens neglect the sacrifices that men and women in uniform have endured.

“Unfortunately, in America, respect and remembrance of our veterans has declined beyond an acceptable level of where it should be,” Stewart said. “The plight of our veterans, once returning home, is disgraceful.”

Stewart’s essay notes the sobering statistics of veterans succumbing to suicide or homelessness. As a result, he adds, “the percentage of Americans who can claim veteran status has declined from 18 percent in 1980 to 7 percent in 2018.”

This last statistic captured in Stewart’s winning essay segues into his plea to recognize the importance of veterans and what they’ve given to the nation.

“These brave men and women fight the battles abroad so that we do not have to fight here at home,” Stewart stated. “They provide the very liberty that allows us to enjoy the rights guaranteed in our Constitution, while placing themselves in harm’s way to do so.”

Ending his essay with a reiteration of the four pillars that have been instilled in him by the veterans in his own life, Stewart drove the point home.

“Veterans of the U.S. military are important because they risked their lives on the battlefield so that we can safely live ours in the shadows of peace,” Stewart said. “In return, we owe them that same honor, integrity, loyalty and service we received from them.”

‘I NEVER GAVE UP’ Stewart submitted his powerful audio-essay for consideration before the deadline in October last year, joining more than 26,000 VOD contest participants whose essays all painted a unique picture on the importance of veterans.

When he was later short-listed and then selected to represent the VFW Department of Tennessee after winning at the state level, the thought that this might be his year was planted.

“I had been applying since my English teacher in the seventh grade gave us copies of the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen contest form to fill out,” Stewart said of the national program for middle school students. “As the years went on, I kept applying. I never gave up.”

As had been customary in years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stewart joined the other 52 VFW Department VOD winners for the national finals in Washington, D.C.

Arriving on March 4 in Arlington, Virginia, the VOD finalists spent a couple of days sightseeing prior to the highly anticipated Parade of Winners, the event at which the national winners are announced. The tour of sites was hosted and funded by VFW and the program’s title sponsor, Twisted X.

Since partnering in 2019, Twisted X’s sponsorships of VOD and Patriot’s Pen programs have helped thousands of student participants receive scholarships. The partnership helped raise more than $1.3 million for VOD winners in 2022-23 alone, as well as nearly $780,000 toward Patriot’s Pen winners.

“VFW is encouraging and providing a platform for young adults to express their feelings about various patriotic themes,” said Prasad Reddy, Twisted X president and CEO. “I feel that this is truly a great experience for these young adults, and it is an honor and privilege for us to be a partner in this unique program with VFW.”

From Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum to Mount Vernon and the National Mall, Stewart and the other 52 finalists followed a schedule that afforded them access to hallowed ground, where veterans are honored and memorialized for their sacrifices.

“It was absolutely amazing,” Stewart said. “I had been to D.C. in the past, but getting to experience it with kids from everywhere made it extra special. It led to some unbreakable bonds for sure.”

Having toured for a couple of days and making friends along the way, Stewart and the 52 other VOD finalists came together for the Parade of Winners on March 6 at the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Crystal City in Arlington.

‘IT’S AN ABSOLUTE HONOR’ The Parade of Winners was held in front of thousands of VFW delegates in town for the annual Legislative Conference in the nation’s capital, which ran from March 5-9.

As the final three names were called by Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt, narrowing down to the T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship, Stewart recalled the nerves gripping him.

When his name finally rolled off the mic and echoed across the Regency Ballroom, Stewart basked in the moment by accepting his top prize with an incandescent smile and a firm handshake from VFW Commander-in-Chief Timothy Borland.

“It was unreal,” Stewart said. “Getting to fly out to D.C. was already a huge deal. But when they began nailing it down by names, my heart was going crazy. Then they called first place, and I just couldn’t believe it. It felt like a dream.”

After accepting the $35,000 award from VFW and Twisted X, Stewart approached the podium to read his winning essay in front of the large crowd made up of VFW delegates.

“Well, it is an absolute honor to be up here tonight,” began Stewart, who plans to use his scholarship toward a degree in economics or political science. “I can’t believe this is happening. I want to thank every person for coming out here tonight. I want to congratulate every person on stage here tonight.”

Like a person poised for large crowds, Stewart commanded center stage as he recited his essay to those in the audience, who gave him a standing ovation following the final sentence, an homage to all veterans living by those very four words — Honor. Integrity. Loyalty. Service.

Stewart’s speech was followed by 2023 Patriot’s Pen first-place winner Leighton Peters, a seventh-grader from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, who received the $5,000 Paul A. Spera Past Commander-in-Chief Award.

Peters’ winning essay, sponsored by VFW Post 2204 in Rice Lake, was themed “My Pledge to Our Veterans,” and received another standing ovation.

‘EXTREMELY BLESSED BY YOUR SUPPORT’ Returning to his hometown of Winchester, about 90 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, Stewart was welcomed as the national VOD winner, an honor he was quick to share.

“My town has supported me, my school and school principal have all supported me,” Stewart said. “I miss the people in D.C. a lot, but I’ve enjoyed coming back to my hometown and sharing this honor with them.”

As for the friends he made during the Voice of Democracy national finals, Stewart continues to keep in touch with them. The sophomore, who admitted that the new scholarship has afforded him the chance to expand his college options, will see those new friends again in mid-June.

Customary for VOD winners, VFW is sending the 53 winners of the contest to the renowned Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, for an interactive history lesson that runs from June 15-18.

Stewart also has been extended an invitation to attend Twisted X’s awards dinner on June 27 as an honorary guest.

“I’m very grateful for what has become one of the best experiences of my life,” Stewart said. “Everyone at VFW [and contest sponsor Twisted X], from the national level down to the local, I am extremely blessed by your support.”

This article is featured in the 2023 June/July issue of VFW magazine , and was written by Ismael Rodriguez Jr. , senior writer for VFW magazine. 

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PATRIOT PEN

Patriot's Pen Entry Form  

Patriot's Pen Brochure

National Manual for VOD and Patriot's Pen

District Participation Report

Patriot's Pen Scoresheet

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives 6 th -, 7 th - and 8 th grade students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme.  This year’s theme is, "My Pledge To Our Veterans"

CRITERIA:  The Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National contest are excluded from the contest.

HOW TO SUBMIT:  Essay length: 300 – 400 typewritten words (+ or – 5 words max).  You must write your own essay.  All essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length. (Essays under or over these word amounts will be eliminated.) Every word is counted regardless of length. The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count.

In no way may contestants identify themselves within their essay (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) Do not put your name on your essay. The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your essay. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition). Contestants found in violation of this rule will face elimination from the competition and will be required to return any and all prize money awarded or received. 

The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant’s. Contestants will be judged on the basis of their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally.

DEADLINES:  The following deadlines shall be adhered to:

• October 31, 2023 – Student entries to the Post 
• November 15, 2023 – Post winner submitted to the District 
• December 15, 2023 – District winners submitted to the Department
•   January 10, 2024 – Completion of Department judging
•   January 15, 2024 – District participation reports due to Department Chairperson
•   January 15, 2024 – Department winners submitted to National
•   January 31, 2024 – Department reports due to National

ALL-AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging and make a report via the All-American Dashboard.

ALL-STATE REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging, make a report via the Department reporting system, and the District Chairperson must annotate the Post’s participation on the District participation report.

District must submit one candidate to Department for judging.

AWARDS:   The First-Place winner is invited to the Mid-Winter Conference to read his/her speech.   Second and Third place shall be recognized locally.      

• First place - $1,000.00 and a plaque
• Second Place - $750.00 and a plaque
• Third Place - $500.00 and a plaque

Address 9136 Elk Grove Blvd Ste 100 Elk Grove, CA 95624-2075 Contact Us via Email Phone: 916-509-8712 Fax: 916-509-8720

Menu Home About Programs Resources News Contact Members Only

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PATRIOT PEN

Patriot's Pen Entry Form  

Patriot's Pen Brochure

National Manual for VOD and Patriot's Pen

District Participation Report

Patriot's Pen Scoresheet

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives 6 th -, 7 th - and 8 th grade students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme.  This year’s theme is, "My Pledge To Our Veterans"

CRITERIA:  The Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National contest are excluded from the contest.

HOW TO SUBMIT:  Essay length: 300 – 400 typewritten words (+ or – 5 words max).  You must write your own essay.  All essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length. (Essays under or over these word amounts will be eliminated.) Every word is counted regardless of length. The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count.

In no way may contestants identify themselves within their essay (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) Do not put your name on your essay. The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your essay. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition). Contestants found in violation of this rule will face elimination from the competition and will be required to return any and all prize money awarded or received. 

The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant’s. Contestants will be judged on the basis of their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally.

DEADLINES:  The following deadlines shall be adhered to:

• October 31, 2023 – Student entries to the Post 
• November 15, 2023 – Post winner submitted to the District 
• December 15, 2023 – District winners submitted to the Department
•   January 10, 2024 – Completion of Department judging
•   January 15, 2024 – District participation reports due to Department Chairperson
•   January 15, 2024 – Department winners submitted to National
•   January 31, 2024 – Department reports due to National

ALL-AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging and make a report via the All-American Dashboard.

ALL-STATE REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging, make a report via the Department reporting system, and the District Chairperson must annotate the Post’s participation on the District participation report.

District must submit one candidate to Department for judging.

AWARDS:   The First-Place winner is invited to the Mid-Winter Conference to read his/her speech.   Second and Third place shall be recognized locally.      

• First place - $1,000.00 and a plaque
• Second Place - $750.00 and a plaque
• Third Place - $500.00 and a plaque

Address 171 Jersey St, Bldg 5 2nd Floor Trenton NJ, NJ 08611 Contact Us via Email Phone: 609-393-1929 Fax: 609-393-3031

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State Adjutant/QM

Phone: 609-393-1929

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Department Veteran Service Officer

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Veterans Service Officer

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Veteran Service Officer

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Outreach Coordinator

Phone: 609-569-2176

Email:  [email protected]

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YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS

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 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 $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships ranges 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 . 

Click here to for VOD Application

  The 2022-23 theme is: 

"Why is the Veteran Important?"

About the 2021-2022 winner ...

Daniela Mare, a junior at Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, was named the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Daniela's speech on the theme, "America: Where Do We Go from Here?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Daniela was sponsored by  VFW Post 9486 and its Auxiliary in Centereach, New York.   Watch as Daniela delivered her speech  during the VFW's virtual Parade of the Winners award ceremony.

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 2022-2023 entry form here . 

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

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 .

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VFW Post continues tradition of placing flags on veterans’ graves on Memorial Day

J ACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Veterans of Foreign Wars pay tribute to those who served in the military this Memorial Day. The tradition continues each year as the Jackson VFW members adorn the graves of veterans with hundreds of U.S. Flags.

“I saw a lot of people that I knew and grew up with, which brought back memories,” said Harold Grant.

The Vietnam veteran served in the U.S. Army during the “68 Tet Offensive”. On Memorial Day, he joined the members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9832 placing flags on the graves of those who served in the U.S. military.

“My father was in the Army. I had a brother in the Navy, and I had a brother in the Marines, and to me that means a lot to serve for them to go out and do the graves today was an honor,” said Grant.

VFW members placed the stars and stripes on 1,700 graves in Hinds County.

“It was a privilege just to be able to do that,” said Retired U.S. Army veteran Allen Harper. “I feel blessed, because I’m still here and these guys are not, and I like paying tribute to those guys, men and women.”

“We removed all of the old flags, and I’m gonna take these and properly dispose of them,” said Ira Turner, Jr.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force and is commander of VFW Post 9832. The post puts out new flags and collects the old ones.

“All of our veterans, whether they were Vietnam veterans, Korea veterans, World War II, there was something about them that made them want to serve their country, and this is our day to serve them,” said Turner.

Flags were placed in seven cemeteries in Hinds County. Many attended the Hinds County Memorial Day Service honoring fallen soldiers before decorating military graves.

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