The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has officially announced the launch of its 80th annual Patriot's Pen essay and Voice of Democracy speech competitions, presenting a significant opportunity for students across the nation. The organization is now accepting entries for these long-standing contests, which collectively offer nearly $2.7 million in scholarships and awards for the current cycle.
The annual competitions encourage students to engage deeply with democratic values and reflect on the contributions of veterans and the essence of America. Submissions for both the Patriot's Pen essay and Voice of Democracy speech contests are open until the deadline of October 31, 2026.
The announcement of the new cycle follows the VFW's recent recognition of top performers from previous competitions. Andrew Ge was honored as the top Patriot's Pen essay winner, securing a substantial $5,000 award for his compelling submission. Similarly, Olivia Drewniak was identified as the top Voice of Democracy winner, receiving acclaim for her impactful speech.
The Patriot's Pen essay contest and the Voice of Democracy speech competition are integral parts of the VFW's efforts to promote patriotism and civic engagement among students. These programs provide a platform for young individuals to articulate their understanding of America's values and the sacrifices made by its veterans, offering valuable scholarship opportunities to support their educational pursuits.
With nearly $2.7 million in scholarships and awards available, the VFW's 80th annual competitions represent a considerable investment in the future leaders of America. Students interested in participating are encouraged to prepare their essays and speeches and submit them before the October 31, 2026, deadline to be considered for these prestigious accolades.