PATRIOT PEN

2023-2024 Patriot's Pen
Essay Theme "How are you inspired by America"

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? 

2023-2024 Patriots Pen Announcement Letter Click Here
2023-2024 Patriots Pen entry form Click here
The score sheet for judging can be found here. 
 
NOTE: PA has due dates different than those publicized by the National VFW!
       October 31, 2023- The student deadline for Entry is midnight.
       November 18, 2023 -Post judging completed.
       December 3, 2023    District judging completed.
       December 9, 2023, 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 the Department Chairman: 
 
Pennsylvania VFW Patriot's Pen Chairman
William (Bill) Lamond
VFW Post 5207 (10)
3360 Nashotka Rd.
Madison Twp, Pa.  18444
570-241-5875
 
December 11, 2023-Department judging 
January 15, 2024-Department Winner and Reports submitted to VFW National HQ
January 20, 2024-Annual Voice of Democracy Banquet-DoubleTree by Hilton-Pittsburgh Cranberry