Patriot's Pen
Each year, nearly 800,600 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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2026-2027 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
2026-2027 THEME
"WHAT A VETERAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA"
