2025-2026 Theme
"How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”
Student Entry Deadline: October 31, 2025
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 73,000 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.
To learn more about the Patriots Pen or to submit an entry, please use the following link:
