Grades 6th-8th

2022-2023 Theme

"My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2022

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

What is the Patriot’s Pen Program?

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 84,000 students who participated last year in this contest.

Why Should I Enter?

Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and national level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000.  The Internal Revenue Service requires a recipient awarded more than $599 be given Form 1099 identifying the proceeds as taxable income. This may require the winner to provide their social security number.

Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, and download and complete the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen entry form as all student entries must be submitted to Jackson County VFW Post 6073 by midnight, Oct. 31.