Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest

The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $55,000, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level.

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. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements and download the entry form before submitting your entry to your local VFW Post.


The 2018-19 theme is:
Why I Honor the American Flag

Entries can be submitted to:
VFW 3787
4370 Twain Avenue
San Diego, CA 92120

Deadline for submissions: October 31, 2018.