Patriot's Pen 

 

Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual 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 2025-26 theme is:  
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” 

 

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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Your  as applications must be turned into VFW Post 6073 by midnight, Oct. 31.  

 The point of contact is VFW Post 6073 Jr Vice Commander, Gayla Sue Mendez,678-698-0218,  gaylasuemendez@gmail.com