“Dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of America, the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions help foster patriotism among today’s youth. The programs also promote friendly competition and reward success with more than $3 million in scholarships.” [source: VFW.org News Release]

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is for students in grades 9-12. The theme for 2020-2021 is “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”.

Patriot’s Pen is a written essay competition for students in grades 6-8, and for 2020-2021 has the theme “What is Patriotism to Me?”.

All submissions are due to the Post no later than 31 October 2020.

For more information, including rules and eligibility, for entering either of these contests, check out the links below.

[Voice of Democracy] ~ [Patriot’s Pen] ~ [VFW National Youth Essay Competitions Information]