The Veterans of Foreign Wars is an organization of combat Veterans, from all wars, dedicated to service on behalf of all military Veterans who have honorably served our great nation.
Our original mission, dating back more than a century, was to fight for the care of our wounded comrades, their widows and orphans. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years, and to this very day we maintain vigilance and take whatever steps necessary to insure that our beloved nation never forgets or forsakes its moral obligation to fulfill its commitment to those who have given of themselves in defense of the freedoms and liberties we all enjoy today.
Today our role extends far beyond that original mission. A military Veteran has learned the value of service and our members employ a spirit of Service not just to addressing our comrades immediate needs, but to outreach to all families and every age level in our communities to celebrate the greatness of our nation by fostering true patriotism, providing valuable scholarships and rendering aid and assistance to active-duty military, and Veterans in need.
To accomplish all this, we produce a wide array of programs with a common goal: To render service in the name, and memory, of our comrades in arms throughout the ages. Explore these pages to see what we do in service to America and her Veteran Heroes.
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme.
2024-2025 Theme
"Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?"
The 2023 Student Entry Deadline is October 31, 2024
Click below to download the Student Entry Form
Patriots Pen
Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives
students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual
patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 73,000 students who
participated last year in this contest.
2024-2025 Theme
"My Voice in America's Democracy"
The 2023 Student Entry Deadline is October 31, 2024
Click below to download the Student Entry Form
Scout of the Year
Annually, the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United States recognizes individuals who are: Eagle Scouts,
Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, Venture Summit Award recipients and/or Sea
Scout Quartermasters who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the
qualities of that rank.
Entry Deadline to the local VFW Post (if applicable) is March 1, 2024
Entry Deadline for ALL applications to be sent to the Scouting Chairperson is April 1, 2024
Teacher of the Year
Founded in 1899, the VFW highly supports the education of America’s youth. VFW and its Auxiliary have developed a slate of programs dedicated to helping America’s educators. VFW Citizenship Education programs stimulate interest in America’s history, traditions, Americanism, civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. Teachers care deeply about America and its children. They’re concerned about the perpetuation of America’s noblest traditions and highest ideals. Wouldn’t you like to see them get the honor they deserve? Now you can.
The 2024 Entry Deadline is October 31, 2024
Click below to download the Teacher of the Year Entry Form
