PATRIOT'S PEN

2022-2023 Theme
"My Pledge to Our Veterans"
 
Each year, nearly 68,800 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 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 submit through us as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31st.  Download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form here.
 
Send us an email if you have questions.
 
About the 2021-22 national winner ...

Syed Ali, an eighth-grade student from Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Can I Be a Good American?" won him a $5,000 award.  Watch as Syed delivers his winning essay, during the VFW's virtual Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook.