The 2026-27 Patriot's Pen Theme has been announced.

"WHAT A VETERAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA"

 2026 - 2027 Department Patriot's Pen Program (click here)

2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Brochure

2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Student Entry Form

2026-2027 Student Biographical Questionnaire Form

2026-2027 Parental / School Release Form 

 2026-2027 VOD and Patriot's Pen Chairperson's Guide

2026-2027 Patriot's Pen National Scholarship Awards Listing

2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Judging Guidelines

2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Judges Scoresheet

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest nationally, for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. 

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.