VFW Patriot's Pen
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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 competition is for students in grades 6 - 8, Iiving within 50 miles of Brainerd, Minnesota. It is writing a 300-to-400-word written essay. Judging is based on theme knowledge, theme development and clarity of ideas. Local prizes are $100, $150, and $200. Nationally $5,000. The 2026-2027 competition theme is, "What A Veteran Taught Me About America"
Use bit.ly/3Jm6XuA or the QR code.
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Photographs of the winners are 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 use of AI to write an entry is not allowed.
The deadline for submission is 10 pm on Friday, October 31, 2026.
Questions, contact Eric Foss [email protected] 701-610-9100.
The judges' decisions will be published here on or about November 15, 2026.
Winners from the previous year are further down this page. That should give you an idea on how to compete.
The deadline for submission is 10 pm on Friday, October 31, 2026.
Questions, contact Eric Foss [email protected] 701-610-9100.
The judges' decisions will be published here on or about November 15, 2026.
Winners from the previous year are further down this page. That should give you an idea on how to compete.
If you are unable to work with the QR code, then:
- 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.
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Mail or drop off the printed entry, photo and entry form at the Brainerd VFW, 309 South Sixth Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 or email to: Eric Foss [email protected]
October 12, 2026: A radio interview was recorded for playback on B93 and Cool 103 Radio Stations on Tuesday morning. It explains the process of entering the Patriot's Pen completion.
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Hear the audio below:
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2025 - 2026 Patriot's Pen winners:
National winner Andrew Ge from San Ramon, California
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Minnesota state winner Levi Marthaler from Hastings
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December 6, 2025: Scarlett Salakian took first place in Minnesota 6th District completion. She now competes at the Minnesota state level.
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(l-r) 6th District PP/VOD Chairman David Goode, Sauk Rapids Auxiliary President Terry Kipka, Scarlett Salakian, and 6th District Commander Don Lohse at 6th District meeting on December 6, 2025.
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(l-r) 3rd place Jack Krebsbach, 2nd place William Delaney and 1st place Scarlett Salakian on November 11, 2025.
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November 5, 2025: Some 57 entries were received this year. Awards were presented at the November 11, 2025, Brainerd VFW Post and Auxiliary meeting.
Scarlet Salakian is the Brainerd VFW 1st place winner in the 2025-2026 Patriot's Pen writing competition. She is an 8th grade student at St. Francis of the Lakes School. Her prize is $200.
The essay theme was, "How Are You showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" |
Scarlett Salakian
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Patriotism means showing respect and love for your nation. The real question is how to do that? How can one best support his or her country? Here are some ways I do this, starting with knowing about the foundation on which the United States government rests on-the Constitution. This document that created our entire government system is the most significant of the United States. Not only does it lay out the government, but it also gives us our rights such as freedom of speech, freedom to petition, the Bill of Rights and so on. Being informed of these rights is key to embodying a patriotic citizen.
Being informed is a critical responsibility that I fulfill. Knowing what is going on with not only my country, but the world is extremely important. The best part is that this can be as simple as turning on the TV to watch the news, or even getting the news passed on from others. In this way, I can hear about new laws or bills passed, I become aware of conflicts going on and the new developments in technology.
Another way I show patriotism is by speaking out. Voicing opinions on important matters is one of America's core values. This freedom of speech lets me say what I think about politics for example or actions being taken by the president to help improve our country. If I don't agree with something happening, it's my right to say that.
Overall, I show the most patriotism by simply being respectful, whether this means standing for the national anthem or proudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This can also mean respecting others and their property which is very important if the United States wants to build upon a peaceful and functional society.
In conclusion, these are several ways that I show patriotism and support for my country. I'll end with a quote from JFK that states that you have a duty to your country other than just relying on what your nation can do for you. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Being informed is a critical responsibility that I fulfill. Knowing what is going on with not only my country, but the world is extremely important. The best part is that this can be as simple as turning on the TV to watch the news, or even getting the news passed on from others. In this way, I can hear about new laws or bills passed, I become aware of conflicts going on and the new developments in technology.
Another way I show patriotism is by speaking out. Voicing opinions on important matters is one of America's core values. This freedom of speech lets me say what I think about politics for example or actions being taken by the president to help improve our country. If I don't agree with something happening, it's my right to say that.
Overall, I show the most patriotism by simply being respectful, whether this means standing for the national anthem or proudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This can also mean respecting others and their property which is very important if the United States wants to build upon a peaceful and functional society.
In conclusion, these are several ways that I show patriotism and support for my country. I'll end with a quote from JFK that states that you have a duty to your country other than just relying on what your nation can do for you. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
William Delaney, 7th grade at Forestview Middle School,2nd place $150 award.
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Jack Krebsbach, 6th grade at St. Francis of the Lakes School, 3rd place $100 award.
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December 9, 2025: Letter: Dear Mr. Persons and Post 1647. Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity to do the wonderful essay contest. It was super fun and thank you for the $150! I hope to do it again next year! William Delaney
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(l-r) B93 Morning Host Bill Satre and Brainerd VFW member Mark Persons.
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The interview was aired on KBLB/B93 FM Radio and on KUAL-FM Radio on October 3, 2025
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2025-2026 VFW National Patriot's Pen Winner
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
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
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
