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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 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 889 is happy to host contestants from the Coeur d'Alene area. 

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. The 2024-25 theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

 

 

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.

The 2024-25 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?" Be sure to submit your entry in audio format. Post 889 is happy to host contestants from the Coeur d'Alene area. 

ENTRIES FOR BOTH PROGRAMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT, OCTOBER 31, 2023
Contact vfwcda@gmail.com for more information

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