KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 22, 2019) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is now
accepting entries for its 2019-20 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth
scholarship competitions. The announcement comes just two weeks after the VFW’s 2019
Legislative Conference concluded in Washington, D.C., where the top national winners
were recognized.

Dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of America, the
VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions help foster patriotism
among today’s youth. The programs also promote friendly competition and rewards
success in the form of some $3 million in scholarships.

This year’s theme for both programs challenges students to answer the question,
"What Makes America Great?” The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open
to all students in grades 9-12. Each state winner receives an all-expense-paid trip
to Washington, D.C., where the top national prize of a $30,000 scholarship is
awarded. More than 40,000 students competed in last year’s competition. Christine
Troll, the 2019 national Voice of Democracy winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 554
and its Auxiliary in Somerset, Pa. Watch her deliver her award-winning
essay<https://www.vfw.org/VFWDC2019>.

The Patriot’s Pen essay competition is open to all students in grades 6-8, with a
top award of $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Daniel
Rodriguez, sponsored by VFW Post 2066 in Nogales, Ariz., was awarded the first-place
prize among more than 111,000 student essays submitted in this year’s Patriot’s Pen
competition. Watch him deliver his award-winning entry
here<https://www.vfw.org/VFWDC2019>.

Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local
participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is October 31, 2019.

Find your local VFW Post<https://www.vfw.org/oms/findpost.aspx>, or read more about
the
competitions<https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships>.

-vfw-

About the VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and
oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the
congressionally-chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and
military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than
1.6 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in 6,200 Posts worldwide, the
nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim "NO ONE DOES MORE FOR
VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative
advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to
join, visit our website at www.vfw.org<http://www.vfw.org>.

Media Contact: Randi K. Law, communications manager, rlaw@vfw.org<mailto:rlaw@vfw.org>.