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 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. All applications are due by midnight October 31st. Want to apply? First read the rules, then complete the entry form and your essay. Once you are ready submit your completed entry form and essay together click the submit link and attach all applicable files.
Rules & Eligibility Fillable Application
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