PATRIOT PEN

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

"WHAT A VETERAN TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA"

 

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

2026-2027 Patriot's Pen Student Entry Form

Patriot Pen National Awards

 

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. 

 

The 2025 - 2026 State of NJ Patriot Pen Program judging was completed in December.  On January 31, 2026 the State winner was announced at the State Mid-Winter Conference award banquet honoring this year's three Teachers of the Year and the VOD State winner and the Patriot Pen State winner.
 

Contact a District 6 Officer for more information