Each year, nearly 68,800 students in 6th through 8th 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. Patriot's Pen applications must be received by VFW Post 12218 by midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025.
The 2025-2026 theme is:
How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?
