VFW believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism.
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. Download the ENTRY FORM HERE. Download the RULES HERE.
All student entries must be submitted to Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 by midnight, Oct. 31.
About the 2024-2025 winner ...
Evelyn Newbigging, an eighth grade student from Lancaster, South Carolina, was named the 2024-2025 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Voice in America's Democracy?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Newbigging was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in Indian Land, South Carolina.
Watch as Newbigging delivered her winning essayduring the 2025 VFW's Parade of Winners that was streamed live, or read her essay here.
This year's Theme for 2025-2026 is: "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?"
HOW TO ENTER:
Loudoun County Virginia students should first ask a teacher, parent, or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Next, it's time to start drafting your essay on the Patriot's Pen theme.
(For Students residing outside of Loudoun County Virginia, please click HERE to find a VFW
Post near you!)
Essays must be no less than 300 words and should not exceed 400 words and must be submitted by mail to VFW Post 1177, along with the completed Patriot's Pen entry form.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points: You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.
Theme development is worth 35 points: Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where, when and why. Relate the theme to your own experiences.
Clarity of ideas is worth 35 points: Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.
Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 will select a winner from Loudoun County to compete in this prestigious competition at the District level (NOVA) and winners will go on to compete at the State and National level.
For more information or any questions you may have, please contact the PP Team at contact1177@vfw1177.org ATTN: PP
Please mail the completed application (we'll fill-in the LOCAL POST INFO) and typed essay to:
VFW Post #1177
Attention: Patriot's Pen
401 Old Waterford Road
Leesburg, VA 20176-2120
