The Patriot’s Pen is an annual nationwide youth essay competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), designed to foster patriotism and a deeper understanding of American history among middle schoolers. Open to students in grades 6–8, the contest challenges participants to write a 300-to-400-word essay based on a specific patriotic theme chosen each year by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the theme is "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" Each year, more than 60,000 students compete. Entries are judged on knowledge of the theme, theme development, and clarity of ideas.