VFW Patriot's Pen 2025 - 2026 |
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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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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.
2025-2026 competition theme is, "How Are You showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" Winners from the previous year are further down this page. That should give you an idea on how to compete this year.
Here is what you need:
Here is what you need:
- Print the entry on an 8-1/2 by 11-inch plain white paper
- All entries must be in English
- Comply with the rules and fill out the entry form below:
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Mail or drop off the printed entry and entry form to the Brainerd VFW, 309 South Sixth Street, Brainerd, MN 56401. Or email to: [email protected]
The deadline for submission is 10 pm on Friday, October 31, 2025. Questions, contact Mark Persons [email protected] or 218-820-0727.
The judges' decisions will be published here on or about November 15, 2025.
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Photographs of the winners will be required for social media, including this website, Facebook, and the Brainerd Dispatch newspaper. Do not apply if you are not comfortable with this.
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The 2024 - 2025 competition ended October 31, 2024.
The theme was, "My Voice in America's Democracy." The national winner was Evelyn Newbigging from Lancaster, South Carolina. She received a check for $5,000.
See and hear her speech here. |
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January 11, 2024: Zimal Khan from Prior Lake, Minnesota, was the Minnesota VFW 2024-2025 Patriot's Pen competition first-place winner. She received $300 in an award ceremony at the Minnesota Midwinter Convention.
Zimel went on to national competition. |
November 12, 2024: Local winners in the Patriot's Pen writing competition were honored in a ceremony at the Brainerd VFW. Kylee Nelson read her entry aloud for the group.
(l-r) 3rd place Clare Caughey, 2nd place Olivia Nelson and 1st place Kylee Nelson
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November 8, 2024: Kylee Nelson of Brainerd is the Brainerd VFW first place winner in the 2024-2025 Patriot's Pen writing competition. Kylee is a 6th grade student at Forestview Middle School. She competed in a field of 46 applicants and her prize is $200.
Kylee on 1st place in Minnesota Sixth District VFW competition and received $750. |
Kylee Nelson
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To me, America's Democracy is like a big storm cloud. All of our voices are raindrops. With all of our voices, we make an ocean, but if nobody says anything, we are just a dry storm. Each raindrop makes a difference. In America we live in a Democracy. We all get a say in America's tomorrow. Not all countries have the rights we do. I can share my voice by voting, participating, and speaking up.
Participating in America's Democracy isn't just about voting. I can participate in community organizations or join a club. I may not be able to vote in elections yet, but I can vote for my school, or in clubs. That's very powerful.
In America, we all have a voice in our Democracy. I plan on using mine. If I don't speak up for myself, who will? I know I can't solve all of our problems, but if I see a problem in my community, I'm going to use my voice in America's Democracy and try to fix it. If people see kids like me saying something, maybe it will inspire adults to listen, and make changes too! How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time. I'm the future of this country. I need to start somewhere! For example, if I have a concern about my school's lunches, or recycling program, I can tell a teacher, or my principal. If we all come together, as one, we can start making changes.
Having a voice in America's Democracy means I get to share my opinion, how I think and feel, also what I believe is right. It feels good knowing your voice matters. Listen. Even if you don't agree with someone, it's important that their voice is heard. My voice in America's Democracy can inspire others to speak up for themselves, and what they believe is right.
My voice in America's Democracy is important because it's a way for me to share my opinions, ideas, and to have a say in America's tomorrow. Not every county has the rights we do in America, like voting for a president. By participating, voting, speaking up, knowing my voice matters, and adding to our storm cloud, I can make a difference for a better tomorrow!
Participating in America's Democracy isn't just about voting. I can participate in community organizations or join a club. I may not be able to vote in elections yet, but I can vote for my school, or in clubs. That's very powerful.
In America, we all have a voice in our Democracy. I plan on using mine. If I don't speak up for myself, who will? I know I can't solve all of our problems, but if I see a problem in my community, I'm going to use my voice in America's Democracy and try to fix it. If people see kids like me saying something, maybe it will inspire adults to listen, and make changes too! How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time. I'm the future of this country. I need to start somewhere! For example, if I have a concern about my school's lunches, or recycling program, I can tell a teacher, or my principal. If we all come together, as one, we can start making changes.
Having a voice in America's Democracy means I get to share my opinion, how I think and feel, also what I believe is right. It feels good knowing your voice matters. Listen. Even if you don't agree with someone, it's important that their voice is heard. My voice in America's Democracy can inspire others to speak up for themselves, and what they believe is right.
My voice in America's Democracy is important because it's a way for me to share my opinions, ideas, and to have a say in America's tomorrow. Not every county has the rights we do in America, like voting for a president. By participating, voting, speaking up, knowing my voice matters, and adding to our storm cloud, I can make a difference for a better tomorrow!
2nd place, Olivia Nelson from Brainerd, an 8th grader at St. Francis of the Lakes School. $150 prize.
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3rd place, Clare Caughey from Fort Ripley, an 8th grader at St. Francis of the Lakes School. $100 prize.
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Olivia Nelson won 2nd place in Minnesota VFW Sixth District completion and received $500.
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September 23, 2024: (l-r) Mark Persons and Mike Williams from the Brainerd VFW were interviewed by Brad Mielke on WWWI Radio about Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy competitions.
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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
