The VFW believes in good citizenship and fostering patriotism. That is why we encourage youthful minds to examine our nation's history and their own experiences in modern American society through our Patriot's Pen youth essay-writing contest. Annually, over 100,000 students from grades 6-8, enter to win money for college, as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National first place winner. Students draft a 300–400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic annual theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.
This years theme "My Voice in America"s Democracy"