winning patriot's pen essays

PATRIOT'S PEN

2024-2025 THEME: 

"My Voice in America's Democracy"

WHAT IS THE PATRIOT’S PEN?

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest.  

WHO CAN ENTER?

Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students are ineligible.)

PATRIOT’S PEN Deadlines: The deadlines for Patriot’s Pen are as follows:

 1.     Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post*

2.    November 15, Completion of Post judging**

3.    December 10, Completion of District judging**

4.    December 10, January 15, Posts need to submit report on dashboard to acknowledge that they participated in Patriot Pen*

5.    December 13, Email or fax a copy of your winning essay to the email or fax above*(Email preferred)

6.    December 15, District winning entry packet  with head shot picture of winner must be received by Department Chairman*

7.    January 10, Completion of Department judging**

8.    January 15, District participation reports to Department Chairman* District chairmen should roll up the post reports into one District report. All District reports must be received by 15 January and include the phone number and email address of the chairman of that district .*

9.    January 15, Districts must submit a report and approve post reports on dashboard to acknowledge that the posts and District participated in Patriot Pen*

10.  January 15, Department winners to National*

11.  January 31, Department reports to National*

  *required deadlines

**suggested deadlines

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters!

Mail them directly to the State Patriot’s Pen Chairman!

Department (State) Awards:

First, second, and third place state winners will receive awards presented by State Chairman at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Click here to view the Rules & Eligibility Requirements:  Patriots-Pen-Rules-and-Eligibility.pdf

Click here to download the current year Entry Form:  Patriots-Pen-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf

  Contact our State Patr iot's Pen Chairman for more information:

Address 10185 Mammoth Baton Rouge, LA 70814 Contact Us via Email Phone: 225.928-5025

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PATRIOT PEN

2024-2025 Patriot's Pen Each year more than 165,400 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 1st 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. Want to apply?  2024-2025 Patriots Pen Announcement Letter Click Here 2023-2024 Patriots Pen entry form Click here Score sheet for judging can be found here .    NOTE : PA has due dates different than those publicized by National VFW!        *October 31, 2024*     Student deadline Entry is midnight        *November 18, 2024* Post judging completed        *December 3, 2024*   District judging completed        *December 9, 2024*   District Winner entry form, flash drive of essay, typed essay, head and shoulder photo of good quality, District summary report and District participation report must be sent to Department Chairman:    Dept. of PA VFW Patriot's Pen Chairman William (Bill) Lamond Cell:570-241-5875 Email:  [email protected]     *December 11, 2024* Department judging  *January 15, 2025*     Department Winner and Reports submitted to VFW National * January 25, 2025*     Annual PA Voice of Democracy Banquet                                                                        Eisenhower Hotel, Gettysburg, PA.

Address 4002 Fenton Ave Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943 Contact Us via Email Phone: 7172347927 Fax: 717-234-1955

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PATRIOT PEN

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  Youth Essay Contest nationally, for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. 

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. 

The Michigan 2024 Patriot's Pen winner was "Mr." Derek Plichta  from Farewell Middle School in VFW District 11 and VFW Post 3030! 

2024-2025 Patriots Pen Essay Writing Program

2024-2025 Patriots Pen Brochure and Entry Form

  Parent / School Release Form

Student Biographical Questionnaire Form

Michael Martin, Director

199 East 34th St, Apt 2

Holland MI 49423

616-594-9151

[email protected]

Denise Arnold, Auxiliary Chair

9525 E River Rd

Mt Pleasant MI 48858

989-621-0327

[email protected]

Statewide News

Gary brown named vfw michigan member of the year, past department commander ray lopez presented gary brown with the vfw department of michigan member of the year award at the organization's annual state convention june 1, 2024., vfw michigan riders group shares motorcycle safety tips, in preparation for riding season, vfw michigan riders group director charlie cline shares some tips on safety while operating a motorcycle this summer., national news, vfw remembers the end of the afghanistan war, washington - it has been three years since the united states finally left afghanistan in a calamitous and deadly withdrawal of our..., vfw admonishes former president for medal of honor remarks, washington - "on thursday, former president donald trump spoke at an event where he made some flippant remarks about the medal of ....

Address 924 N Washington Ave Lansing, MI 48906 Contact Us via Email Phone: 517-485-9456 Fax: 517-485-6432

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The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

By Eric Eng

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is a nationwide competition encouraging middle school students to express their thoughts on patriotism and American history. The contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars ( VFW ), has been running for over three decades and inspires young writers nationwide.

In today’s society, where polarization and division seem prevalent, fostering a sense of patriotism and love for one’s country is more important than ever.

This competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on what America means to them and how they can contribute to making it a better place. Through this blog post, we aim to shed light on the significance of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, its impact on students, and why it is crucial for young people to participate in this competition.

We will provide a detailed overview of the contest, its objectives, its benefits, and tips for writing a winning essay. Ultimately, we hope to inspire more students to participate in the contest and contribute to a brighter future for our country.

History and Origin of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is an annual competition created by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1995. The VFW is a non-profit organization that has been supporting veterans and their families since 1899.

The contest was established to encourage middle school students to reflect on the meaning of patriotism and the significance of American history. Since its inception, the contest has received thousands of entries from students across the United States.

The contest has several objectives and goals. Firstly, it promotes patriotism and encourages young people to learn about American history and its significance. Secondly, it seeks to foster critical thinking and writing skills among middle school students.

Finally, the contest aims to recognize and reward talented young writers and inspire them to pursue careers in writing, journalism, or related fields.

What are the rules and requirements of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest?

What are the rules and requirements of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest? The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is open to all middle school students in grades 6-8. Each year, the VFW announces a theme for the essay, typically related to patriotism and American history. Essays must be between 300-400 words and typed or legibly handwritten in English.

Each essay must also be submitted with a completed entry form signed by the student and a parent or legal guardian. The submission deadline is typically in October of each year, and winners are announced in December. Winners receive various prizes, including scholarships , plaques, and certificates of achievement.

Significance of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

Fostering love for one’s country.

The contest is essential in fostering a love for one’s country among young people. By reflecting on the themes of patriotism and American history, students can explore and appreciate the ideals and values that make America unique.

Through this contest, they can develop a deep understanding and appreciation for their country, inspiring them to become responsible citizens who contribute to improving their communities.

Encouraging Civic Engagement and Responsibility

Participating in the contest encourages students to become more engaged in their communities and to take an active role in shaping the future of their country. Students can develop a sense of responsibility towards their country and their fellow citizens by reflecting on important issues related to patriotism and American history.

The contest provides a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions, which can help to promote dialogue and encourage positive change.

Promoting Critical Thinking and Writing Skills

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is an excellent way to promote critical thinking and writing skills among middle school students. By requiring students to reflect on complex themes related to patriotism and American history, the contest encourages students to think deeply and develop their analytical skills.

Additionally, the contest allows students to develop their writing skills, including grammar, syntax, and style. These skills are crucial for college success , and the contest provides an excellent platform for developing them.

What are the benefits of participating in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest?

What are the benefits of participating in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest? Participating in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest can help students develop confidence and self-expression. By sharing their thoughts and ideas on complex themes related to patriotism and American history, students can develop confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively.

This can translate into other areas of their lives, such as public speaking and interpersonal communication, which can be valuable skills for success in the future.

The contest allows students to develop leadership qualities. By participating in the contest, students can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for leadership. Additionally, the contest provides a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions, which can help develop their communication and collaboration skills. These skills can be useful for success in school, college, and beyond.

Participating in the contest can also give students recognition and awards. Winners of the contest receive various prizes, including scholarships, plaques, and certificates of achievement. These awards can give students a sense of accomplishment and recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Additionally, winning the contest can help students stand out on college applications and boost their resumes. Even if a student does not win the contest, participating can provide valuable experience and skills to benefit their future endeavors.

Examples of winning essays from the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

The winning essays from the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest often convey powerful messages about patriotism and American history. Many essays focus on the importance of democracy, freedom, and sacrifice. The essays often highlight the struggles and triumphs of America’s history and how these events have shaped the country’s identity.

Through their writing, the students demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation for their country and a commitment to its ideals and values.

The winning essays from the contest can be a source of inspiration for aspiring writers. By reading these essays, students can gain insight into the qualities that make a winning essay, such as creativity, clarity, and originality. The essays can also provide a model for students looking to improve their writing skills .

By studying the structure and style of the winning essays, students can gain valuable experience and learn techniques that can be applied to their writing. Finally, the essays can inspire students to think deeply about the themes of patriotism and American history and to develop their unique perspectives on these important topics.

Tips for writing a winning essay for the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

If you’re a middle school student looking to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, you may wonder how to write a winning essay. This section will provide some tips for choosing a strong topic and theme, structuring an effective essay, and proofreading and editing for clarity and coherence.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of creating a compelling and well-written essay that stands out among the competition.

Choosing a Strong Topic and Theme

To write a winning essay for the contest, choosing a strong topic and theme is important. Start by brainstorming ideas related to the current year’s theme, and choose a unique and engaging topic. Consider incorporating personal experiences or anecdotes that illustrate the theme and make the essay more relatable. Ensure the topic is well-defined and focused, and avoid being too broad or general in your approach.

Structuring an Effective Essay

It is important to follow a clear and concise format to structure an effective essay for the contest. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the tone for the essay and provides context for the reader.

Use the body paragraphs to develop your ideas and provide evidence to support your arguments. Ensure each paragraph is well-organized and focused, with a clear topic sentence and supporting details. Finally, end with a strong conclusion summarizing your main points and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Proofreading and Editing for Clarity and Coherence

To ensure your essay is clear and coherent, it is essential to proofread and edit your work carefully. Start by reviewing your essay for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your sentences are clear and concise. Check that your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next, and ensure your transitions are smooth and effective.

Consider having someone else review your essay as well, as they may be able to provide helpful feedback and suggestions for improvement. Finally, ensure you have followed all the rules and requirements of the contest and that your essay is within the word limit.

In conclusion, the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is a valuable opportunity for middle school students to reflect on the themes of patriotism and American history.

By participating in the contest, students can develop critical thinking and writing skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of civic responsibility. The contest provides a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions and gain recognition and awards for their hard work and dedication.

The contest is important for fostering a love for one’s country, promoting civic engagement and responsibility, and developing young people’s critical thinking and writing skills. The contest inspires students to become responsible citizens who contribute to improving their communities by encouraging them to reflect on complex themes related to patriotism and American history.

Additionally, the contest provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop skills crucial for success in school, college, and beyond.

We strongly encourage all middle school students to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. Whether you are an aspiring writer or simply looking for a way to express your love for your country, this contest provides a valuable opportunity to develop your skills and share your ideas.

So, take the challenge, choose a strong topic and theme, structure your essay effectively, and proofread and edit your work carefully. By participating in the contest, you can join the ranks of talented young writers who have used their skills to inspire and motivate others.

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PATRIOTS PEN/VOD

2024-2025 

Voice of Democracy

"Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision ?" Application

Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2024

Patriotic Audio Essay Competition Grand Prize: $35,000 Award 

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with an unique opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 80,000 High School students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships.

Record your original 3-5 minute audio essay on a flash drive or on other electronic device. You will submit the recording, a typed essay and send the completed entry form to your local participating post.

Patriot's Pen

"My Voice In America's Democracy" Application

 Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2024

Patriotic Written Essay Competition Grand Prize: $5,000 Award

Each year, more than 84,000 students participate in the VFW Patriots Pen contest expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. Students from the 6th, 7th and 8th grade submit an essay 300-400 words in length.  Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in National awards.

You will submit the typed essay (no colors or graphics) and the completed entry form to your local participating post.

Address 69 Sand Creek Road Albany, NY 12205 Contact Us via Email Phone: 518-463-7427 Fax: 518-426-8904

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen.

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades 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 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 , and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2024-2025 entry form here . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

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PATRIOTS PEN

DONATE TO LEE-PEARSON POST

Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.

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YOUTH ESSAYS

Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our  Voice of Democracy  audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the  2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513.  Watch as Sophia delivered her speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or  read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full  Parade of Winners ceremony  which was streamed live on Facebook, or  see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 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. Before submitting your essay,  download the 2024-2025 entry form here  and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Bryant Day, an eighth grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Bryant was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay  during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  his essay here.  See the complete list of 2024 national winners .

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's Pen

National Patriots Pen link

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen.

Each year, nearly 68,800 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. 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 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

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PATRIOT'S PEN

What is patriot's pen.

•  Essay length: 300-400 typewritten words (+ or - 5 words max)
• You must write your own essay
• All entries begin at the VFW Post level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15 students to the VFW Post. Individual students may submit their entry directly to the Post. The contest consists of four levels. The first level (entry) is sponsored by VFW Posts. Post winners advance, one for every 15 entries, to the VFW District (regional) level where the one first-place winner is advanced to the VFW Department (state) level. The first-place winner at the Department level is then advanced into the VFW national competition. 

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Office Assistant

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Office Administrator

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Putin Is Selling Victory, and Many Russians Are Buying It

Vladimir Putin’s message to his country appears to be taking hold: that Russia is fighting against the whole Western world — and winning.

Military cadets at an exhibition of equipment captured from NATO countries in front of the Victory Museum in Moscow. Credit...

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By Valerie Hopkins

Photographs by Nanna Heitmann

Reporting from Moscow

• May 15, 2024

The word “victory” is everywhere in Moscow these days.

It is being projected from gargantuan LED screens alongside major intersections and highways and written on red flags whipping in the wind. It’s prominent at an exhibit of Western weapons destroyed on Ukrainian battlefields and lugged back to Moscow as war trophies on display in — where else? — Victory Park.

Victory is precisely the message that President Vladimir V. Putin, 71, has sought to project as he has been feted with pomp and pageantry after another electoral success, while his army sweeps through Ukrainian villages in a stunning new offensive in the northeast.

“Together, we will be victorious!” Mr. Putin said at his inauguration last week after securing a fifth term as president. Two days later, the country celebrated Victory Day, Russia’s most important public holiday, which commemorates the Soviet contribution to the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

During the first year of the invasion, many Russians were shocked and ashamed by the war; hundreds of thousands left the country. During the second year, they were concerned about a potential second wave of mobilization.

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