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! Post level awards are also available.

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.

 

Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Students who live in Stamford may request to submit essays to our post by using contact page in our main menu and writing PP in the message. Click here for our contact page. We can also help you find your sponsoring local VFW Post.