PATRIOT PEN

2024-2025 Patriot's Pen


Each year more than 165,400 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 1st 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. Want to apply? 

2024-2025 Patriots Pen Announcement Letter Click Here
2023-2024 Patriots Pen entry form Click here
Score sheet for judging can be found here. 
 
NOTE: PA has due dates different than those publicized by National VFW!
       *October 31, 2024*     Student deadline Entry is midnight
       *November 18, 2024* Post judging completed
       *December 3, 2024*   District judging completed
       *December 9, 2024*   District Winner entry form, flash drive of essay, typed essay, head and shoulder photo of good quality, District summary report and District participation report must be sent to Department Chairman: 
 
Dept. of PA VFW Patriot's Pen Chairman
William (Bill) Lamond
Cell:570-241-5875
Email: ta30chev@gmail.com 
 
*December 11, 2024* Department judging 
*January 15, 2025*     Department Winner and Reports submitted to VFW National *January 25, 2025*     Annual PA Voice of Democracy Banquet                                                                        Eisenhower Hotel, Gettysburg, PA.