Brentwood Post 1810
Veterans of Foreign Wars
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Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 60,600 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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” with a completed 2025-2026 entry form to Brentwood VFW Post 1810, 3801 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh PA 15210 - Attention: Americanism Committee.
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​The deadline for submitting an entry for the 2025-26 contest Is October 31, 2025.
Entry Form
Rules and Eligibility