Each year, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Georgia recognize exceptional middle school students through the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Every year, nearly 70,000 students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade across the United States enter to win 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.
Download and complete the 2026-2027 Patriot’s Pen entry form here.
Make sure to have a picture for entries going to the State competition.
The 2026-27 theme is:
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 winner!
VFW Post 12180 winner is: TBD
VFW District 10 winner is: TBD
