Voice of Democracy, Patriot's pen essay contest due Nov. 1

The annual Patriot’s Pen nationwide essay contest gives youth a chance to express their views in writing on a patriotic theme.

“What Freedom Means To Me” is the theme for this year’s contest, with a national grand prize of $5,000, sponsored by the Veteran’s of Foreign War.

Essays are first judged at the post level and the local winner will progress to the district or regional level, then on to the state level.

The winning essayist at the state level will receive $1,000 cash and an invitation to the mid-winter banquet, at which they will be given an additional scholarship.

The second and third places writers will receive the invitation to the banquet, as well, to accept scholarship awards that are to be determined by special sponsors.

The contest is open to students in sixth through eighth grades. This includes students in public, private, parochial and home schools in the United States, its territories and possessions. Essays must be entered to local VFW Post #2243 by Nov. 1.

Additionally, the VFW has chosen the theme of “My Vision for America,” for the 69th Annual Voice of Democracy program, an audio essay contest open to students enrolled in public, private, parochial or home school in ninth through 12th grades.

Each year nearly 40,000 students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives through the Voice of Democracy Program. Audio essays must be entered to local VFW Post #2243 by Nov. 1.

Local VFW Post #2243 and VFW District 1 each award $75 to the winning entrants of both contests at each level as well as $50 for the second place entrant at each level and $25 for the third place entrant at each level.

For additional information or to receive an entry form for either scholarship contest, contact Walt or Joyce Witt at 308-235-2705.