PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's Pen

The 2025-26 theme is: 

"How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support for Our Country?"


 
Each year, nearly 60,000 students in sixth through eighth grades enter VFW's Patriot's Pen youth essay contest 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 and 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 report, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted by midnight on October 31, 2025. Download and complete the 2025-2026 entry form here.  After you complete the Entry Form, you can email it directly to the Post Adjutant.