VFW Patriot's Pen 2023-2024
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This annual competition is for students Iiving within 50 miles of Brainerd, Minnesota. It is writing a 300-to-400-word essay by students in grades 6 - 8. Judging is based on theme knowledge, development and clarity of ideas. Local prizes are $100, $150 and $200. Nationally $5,000.
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The 2023 - 2024 Brainerd VFW Patriot's Pen writing competition theme was, "How are you inspired by America?" The deadline was October 31, 2023. There were 70 entries this year in Brainerd. Congratulations to the winners.
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November 2, 2023: The first-place winner was Max Wehseler, of Brainerd. He is an 8th grader at St. Francis of the Lakes School in Brainerd. Max is also in Scouting and the Civil Air Patrol.
Max received a check for $200 for his essay at an award ceremony at the Brainerd VFW on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. |
I am inspired by the many great traditions and ideals of the American people. I am inspired when I see the American flag hanging proudly. I am inspired when I see people hanging the American flag above their businesses and homes all proudly displaying the American flag. I am inspired by America when we help all the struggling countries that are full of unrest. I am inspired because the United States has had problems, but we all figure out how to work together and work through the problems and persevere. When I see someone wearing a veteran's hat, I feel proud and know a sense of gratitude toward those who served and kept America free. I am inspired when I hear about 9/11. It was a very sad tragedy, but it brought America together against terrorists. It makes me proud and inspires me when I hear about all the first responders and ordinary civilians who went back into the burning towers to save their fellow Americans. I am inspired when I see Americans working together as one people and work to fix things and make the world a better place. I am inspired when I see strong American families, when I see parents working hard to make sure their kids have everything they need. I feel inspired when I see people standing up for themselves and their opinions, being respectful and courteous all the while. I am very proud to be an American citizen in a just nation where we are free to speak out opinions. I am inspired by America when I see our leaders show pride in their positions but also know that there is more to know and learn from others. I deeply respect those who support our leaders even though it may not be who they voted for. I am inspired by the national parks and the beautiful terrain that has been preserved by us and everyone before us so future generations can look at the untouched land the same as us. That is why I am inspired by America.
Addison Guida, 2nd place - $150
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Cato Clough, 3rd place - $100
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October 3, 2023: (l-r) KLIZ-FM air personality Danny Wild and Brainerd VFW members Jeff McCarthy and Mark Persons. They recorded an interview about the Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy competitions for airing on KLIZ 107.5 FM in Brainerd on October 4, 2023, at 8:15 am.
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March 6, 2023: Leighton Peters of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, won top honors in the 2022 - 2023 VFW Patriot's Pen competition. Her prize was $5,000. The theme was, "My Pledge to Our Veterans." |
”My Pledge to Our Veterans”
A veteran is a person who has given their time and talent to our country as part of the United States Military. Veterans have all made sacrifices and served our country, and many have fought for our freedom and risked their lives. These facts often go unnoticed, and, sadly, veterans can be forgotten and unappreciated. Other times, veterans may be considered heroes. This might be based on their big muscles, tall stature, the uniform they are wearing, or the array of medals they have earned. The veteran I consider a hero looks a little different than this. He has white hair, tells funny jokes, makes the best pancakes, and gives amazing hugs.
My veteran hero is my grandpa. My veteran hero has gentle hands that picked me up when I was little, turned pages as he read me bedtime stories, and held my hand as he walked me to the park. It is unbelievable that my own grandpa’s gentle hands are the same hands that gripped an M16 assault rifle in the Vietnam War as he put his life on the line for our country. This sparked a realization that a veteran is not only a war hero or military figure, but they are human, too. They are courageous, strong, honorable, and brave men and women who have made sacrifices for our country. They are real life superheroes who also double as fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, cousins, neighbors, and workers.
My grandpa’s Vietnam War stories taught me what sacrifice looks like. Watching my grandpa become emotional when he hears “The Star-Spangled Banner” taught me what patriotism looks like. Out of respect and gratitude, I pledge to honor my grandpa and other veterans for the service they have given to our country. I pledge to honor them by standing up and putting my hand over my heart when our national anthem is played, thanking veterans for their service, sending cards to veterans on Veterans’ Day, donating money to causes that support veterans, honoring the American Flag, and volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes for veterans.
President Kennedy (a World War II veteran) said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” My grandpa gave so much for our country. Through my pledge to my grandpa and our veterans, I am doing something special for my country, too.
A veteran is a person who has given their time and talent to our country as part of the United States Military. Veterans have all made sacrifices and served our country, and many have fought for our freedom and risked their lives. These facts often go unnoticed, and, sadly, veterans can be forgotten and unappreciated. Other times, veterans may be considered heroes. This might be based on their big muscles, tall stature, the uniform they are wearing, or the array of medals they have earned. The veteran I consider a hero looks a little different than this. He has white hair, tells funny jokes, makes the best pancakes, and gives amazing hugs.
My veteran hero is my grandpa. My veteran hero has gentle hands that picked me up when I was little, turned pages as he read me bedtime stories, and held my hand as he walked me to the park. It is unbelievable that my own grandpa’s gentle hands are the same hands that gripped an M16 assault rifle in the Vietnam War as he put his life on the line for our country. This sparked a realization that a veteran is not only a war hero or military figure, but they are human, too. They are courageous, strong, honorable, and brave men and women who have made sacrifices for our country. They are real life superheroes who also double as fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, cousins, neighbors, and workers.
My grandpa’s Vietnam War stories taught me what sacrifice looks like. Watching my grandpa become emotional when he hears “The Star-Spangled Banner” taught me what patriotism looks like. Out of respect and gratitude, I pledge to honor my grandpa and other veterans for the service they have given to our country. I pledge to honor them by standing up and putting my hand over my heart when our national anthem is played, thanking veterans for their service, sending cards to veterans on Veterans’ Day, donating money to causes that support veterans, honoring the American Flag, and volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes for veterans.
President Kennedy (a World War II veteran) said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” My grandpa gave so much for our country. Through my pledge to my grandpa and our veterans, I am doing something special for my country, too.
January 14, 2023: The Minnesota winner of the 2022 - 2023 Patriot's Pen writing completion was Nolan Green from Monticello, MN. He is seen here at the 2023 Minnesota Midwinter Conference. The theme was "My Pledge to Our Veterans." Nolan also took second place nationally for a $4,000 reward.
Nolan Green at the Minnesota Midwinter Convention.
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November 3, 2022: The Brainerd VFW first-place ($200) winner was Kasey Hamlin of Nisswa, Minnesota. Kasey is a 6th grade student at Forestview Middle School in Baxter. The essay:
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My Pledge to Our Veterans
Veterans have done so much for me. They served my country to keep me safe. We all can make pledges to them to thank them for their service. What would you do if you saw a veteran wearing a hat that said something like "Navy Veteran"? I would go up to them and say thank you for your service, that would probably make their day and that is why I made these pledges.
My first pledge to veterans is to learn more about what they did for me. So many veterans have amazing stories about their service and what it was like, why they served, how it affected them, and how they got into the military. They have so much to tell but many people aren't willing to listen, I am. I've loved learning about this ever since I was little, my great great uncle fought in world war two and he would always tell stories about it. I still remember them today. He is the reason I love to learn about this.
My second pledge to veterans is to always respect them and to always be kind to veterans. Some people don't respect veterans and aren't very nice to them and that is why I am making this pledge. I feel like not many people say thank you to veterans, more than a couple of times, or maybe some people never say it. I say it a lot. I was taught from a young age to always be kind to veterans. I was taught this because a lot of my family was in the military, both of my grandpa's were in the military.
My third pledge is to always be thankful for veterans and what they did for me. Veterans have done so much for me, and I will always be thankful for them. They fought in wars for me, risked their lives for me, and maybe even got injured for me. They did all of this for me, the least I can do for them is to be thankful and kind.
Veterans are such a big part of our country, and its history. They fought for their country with pride and certainty. They have fought for me and my country and might even do it again if they had to. So, the least I can do is make these pledges to them.
Veterans have done so much for me. They served my country to keep me safe. We all can make pledges to them to thank them for their service. What would you do if you saw a veteran wearing a hat that said something like "Navy Veteran"? I would go up to them and say thank you for your service, that would probably make their day and that is why I made these pledges.
My first pledge to veterans is to learn more about what they did for me. So many veterans have amazing stories about their service and what it was like, why they served, how it affected them, and how they got into the military. They have so much to tell but many people aren't willing to listen, I am. I've loved learning about this ever since I was little, my great great uncle fought in world war two and he would always tell stories about it. I still remember them today. He is the reason I love to learn about this.
My second pledge to veterans is to always respect them and to always be kind to veterans. Some people don't respect veterans and aren't very nice to them and that is why I am making this pledge. I feel like not many people say thank you to veterans, more than a couple of times, or maybe some people never say it. I say it a lot. I was taught from a young age to always be kind to veterans. I was taught this because a lot of my family was in the military, both of my grandpa's were in the military.
My third pledge is to always be thankful for veterans and what they did for me. Veterans have done so much for me, and I will always be thankful for them. They fought in wars for me, risked their lives for me, and maybe even got injured for me. They did all of this for me, the least I can do for them is to be thankful and kind.
Veterans are such a big part of our country, and its history. They fought for their country with pride and certainty. They have fought for me and my country and might even do it again if they had to. So, the least I can do is make these pledges to them.
November 3, 2022: Mullen Bratney of Brainerd was the Brainerd VFW second-place $150 winner. Mullen is a 7th grade student at Forestview Middle School.
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November 3, 2022: The Brainerd VFW third place ($100) winner was Tucker Hanson of Merrifield, Minnesota. Tucker is a 6th grade student at Forestview Middle School.
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(l-r) Bill Satre interviewing Mark Persons on B93.3 and Cool 103 Radio on 09/26/2022
Mimi Bueckers, Pine River, MN
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November 8, 2021: First Place Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen Winner. Mimi Bueckers received $200.00.
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America was founded on the belief that all people are created equal and that each person has the right to freedoms. Some American ideals are democracy, liberty, opportunity, and equality. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, " is engraved on the Statue of Liberty. Americans are compassionate, helpful, caring, and want good for all people. By using these American ideals of equality, serving others, and persistence, I can be a good American.
I can treat others with respect and with the knowledge that we are all created equally. I think that sometimes Americans forget that we are all equal, which is one of the biggest problems in our country today. Too many Americans treat others rudely just because they look different, have different color skin, believe in different things, or are from different backgrounds. I can be a good example for others by being respectful to everyone even if they are different. "E Pluribus Unum" is America's motto, it means "out of many, one' ' . The United States is a nation of immigrants; of different races, languages, religion, and traditions, but we still all come together united. I can be a good American by recognizing other people's differences but still seeing them as a person and as an American.
I can be a good American by serving others. Volunteerism is a big American value. Good Americans are always willing to help others without expecting to be paid. By volunteering and helping others freely, I can be a better American.
Americans have always had persistence and a good attitude when it comes to getting things done. I can be a good American by continuing this tradition in my own life. There are times when I am tired and feel I can 't accomplish the task at hand, but if I put my mind and heart into it, I know I can do it. Americans have the ideal that anything is possible and that's a wonderful thought to have. I can accomplish things with persistence and perseverance.
Being a good American means having many good values. I can be a good American by using my values and treating others with respect and equality, by serving others in need, and by having persistence. America is a wonderful nation and I am happy to contribute to it by being a good American.
I can treat others with respect and with the knowledge that we are all created equally. I think that sometimes Americans forget that we are all equal, which is one of the biggest problems in our country today. Too many Americans treat others rudely just because they look different, have different color skin, believe in different things, or are from different backgrounds. I can be a good example for others by being respectful to everyone even if they are different. "E Pluribus Unum" is America's motto, it means "out of many, one' ' . The United States is a nation of immigrants; of different races, languages, religion, and traditions, but we still all come together united. I can be a good American by recognizing other people's differences but still seeing them as a person and as an American.
I can be a good American by serving others. Volunteerism is a big American value. Good Americans are always willing to help others without expecting to be paid. By volunteering and helping others freely, I can be a better American.
Americans have always had persistence and a good attitude when it comes to getting things done. I can be a good American by continuing this tradition in my own life. There are times when I am tired and feel I can 't accomplish the task at hand, but if I put my mind and heart into it, I know I can do it. Americans have the ideal that anything is possible and that's a wonderful thought to have. I can accomplish things with persistence and perseverance.
Being a good American means having many good values. I can be a good American by using my values and treating others with respect and equality, by serving others in need, and by having persistence. America is a wonderful nation and I am happy to contribute to it by being a good American.
Soren Benson, Pillager, MN
November 8, 2021, Second Place Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen Winner. Soren received $150.00.
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Annemarie Cady, Crosby, MN
November 8, 2021, Third Place Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen Winner. Annemarie received $100.00.
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April 1, 2021: The 2020-2021 theme was "What is Patriotism to me?" The first place national VFW Patriot Pen winner was Wyatt Perkins, from Maryville, North Dakota. He was awarded $5,000. Fourth place was Julianna Stacey, from Long Prairie, MN. Her prize was $2,750. She placed fourth in national competition.
Alex Lelwica
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The 2020-2021 First Place winner at the Brainerd VFW was Alex Lelwica, an 8th grader at St. Francis of the Lakes School in Brainerd. His essay was entered into the Minnesota 6th District Patriot's Pen competition. The theme: "What is Patriotism to Me?"
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Patriotism to me is being proud to be a part of a country. For example, I'm proud to live in The United States of America where we get to choose who leads us and where we get to live freely. We have brave men and woman who fight for us and this is when you know you have something good. That is something that people are willing to fight and die for.
One of the many privileges of living in this amazing nation is the ability to elect our leaders. We get to decide who we want to make laws on our behalf. Therefore, our leaders are a representation of who we are as a people. We should learn to be accepting of the mistakes our leaders make. That to me is patriotism. It is where we can devote ourselves to building our country and voting to make it what you want it to be.
Another privilege is the ability to do what we want. We are given so many rights in this country that people take for granted. Even the content of the newspaper is a gift granted by our government that a lot of countries don’t enjoy. We live in a place where we get to decide what we do with our life and it isn’t controlled by other people. That to me is patriotism. To be free and still use that freedom to love your country as citizens.
A third privilege is that there are men and woman in foreign lands that put their lives on the line to protect all citizens rights. They constantly put themselves in danger for us. I’m honored to live in a country that is so good people are willing to die for it. When we are trying to be stopped from freeing people and letting everyone be equals, we still fight back no matter what. All this is patriotism to me. We live in a country so great that amazing men and woman are willing to put themselves in danger and die for this nation!
Overall patriotism to me isn’t one individual thing. It is everything. From the little to big things that together make me so proud of The United States of America. It is the people that make this country something to be proud of. This all is patriotism to me.
One of the many privileges of living in this amazing nation is the ability to elect our leaders. We get to decide who we want to make laws on our behalf. Therefore, our leaders are a representation of who we are as a people. We should learn to be accepting of the mistakes our leaders make. That to me is patriotism. It is where we can devote ourselves to building our country and voting to make it what you want it to be.
Another privilege is the ability to do what we want. We are given so many rights in this country that people take for granted. Even the content of the newspaper is a gift granted by our government that a lot of countries don’t enjoy. We live in a place where we get to decide what we do with our life and it isn’t controlled by other people. That to me is patriotism. To be free and still use that freedom to love your country as citizens.
A third privilege is that there are men and woman in foreign lands that put their lives on the line to protect all citizens rights. They constantly put themselves in danger for us. I’m honored to live in a country that is so good people are willing to die for it. When we are trying to be stopped from freeing people and letting everyone be equals, we still fight back no matter what. All this is patriotism to me. We live in a country so great that amazing men and woman are willing to put themselves in danger and die for this nation!
Overall patriotism to me isn’t one individual thing. It is everything. From the little to big things that together make me so proud of The United States of America. It is the people that make this country something to be proud of. This all is patriotism to me.
2nd place, Elizabeth Sarvie, 8th grade Brainerd
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3rd place, Margaret Ringhand, 7th grade Brainerd
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2021-2022 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2020-2021 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2019-2020 National youth scholarship winners
2018-2019 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2017-2018 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2016-2017 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2015-2016 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2020-2021 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2019-2020 National youth scholarship winners
2018-2019 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2017-2018 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2016-2017 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
2015-2016 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
4th and 5th graders participate in the Essay Competition
Students in grades 9 - 12 are eligible to compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy
Scouts K-12 compete for the Scout of the Year Award
Students in grades 9 - 12 are eligible to compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy
Scouts K-12 compete for the Scout of the Year Award
