VFW Post 2359 - Patriot's Pen Essay Contest

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2359 invites 6th to 8th grade student to participate in the 2025-2026 Essay Contest.

Each year, more than 60,600 students in 6th through 8th grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 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!

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.

This year's Theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”

Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2025.

Click Below to download the Brochure and Entry Form.

Patriot's Pen 2025-2026 Entry Form

To enter, please email completed form and essay to: post2359@vfwma.org

Or mail completed form and essay to:

VFW Post 2359 - Attn: Patriots Pen

5 Conant Street, Danvers, MA 01923