Youth Scholarships
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $37,500 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.
Voice of Democracy
The 2024-25 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
Patriot's Pen
The 2024-25 theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?"
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
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. Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
No One Does More For Veterans
This National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the VFW reflects on the event that changed the course of history and altered America’s destiny.
The attack on Pearl Harbor 74 years ago left more than 3,500 men and women dead or wounded and tested America’s resolve like never before. But when the dust settled on one of America’s darkest days, a reinvigorated and tenacious nation awoke determined to defend our freedom and way of life no matter the cost.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke with prophetic words when he later remarked, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome … the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.”
The incredible odds we faced in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor served to bolster the indomitable spirit of our nation – carrying us through to the ultimate victory against the Axis powers, just as President Roosevelt had predicted.
The attack on December 7, 1941, taught future generations that our nation may be attacked and our buildings ruined, but our enemies will never be successful in defeating our democracy or the American way of life.
As the years pass and many Pearl Harbor survivors succumb to the passage of time, we remain inspired by their diligence, strength and perseverance. And as we pause to remember their contributions and sacrifice, let us be equally resolved in our determination to serve our nation as selflessly as they did.