VFW Patriot's Pen 2023-2024

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. ​
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.
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.
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Addison Guida, 2nd place - $150
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Cato Clough, 3rd place - $100
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. 
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
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