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, 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"

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 winners!

VFW Post 12180 winner is: Miracle Lee

VFW Department of Georgia winner is: Luke Baker - VFW Post 5408 Acworth

VFW National winner is: Syed Ali, VFW Post 1982, Louisiana