Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) host a nationwide youth writing competition, “Patriot’s Pen” open to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to compose a 300- to 400- word essay on a chosen patriotic theme to share their own knowledge and experiences regarding American history. The students’ essays are submitted to local VFWs, and then are judged at the post, district, state and national levels for potential scholarship awards. Last year 60,000 students participated nationwide.
This year’s Patriot’s Pen theme was “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
On January 30, VFW Post 1963 members gathered in the gymnasium of Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School in Clermont to honor the 34 local students who participated in this year’s Patriot’s Pen contest.
The event was led by Mark Lloyd, who introduced the student entrants, along with the Post 1963 Auxiliary volunteers. Each entrant received a commemorative leather and stainless-steel bracelet engraved with “VFW Patriot’s Pen.”
Then, Mr. Lloyd presented first place to an eighth-grade student, Riley Reich (age 14), winning a cash prize of $300. A sixth-grade student, Fiona Lafferty (age 11) was awarded second place with a $200 cash prize; additionally, the third-place winner was a sixth-grade student, Maelle Robine (age 12) who received a $100 cash prize. Along with cash prizes, each winner also received a medal from Post 1963.
Riley then was invited to read her essay, where she shared, “I show my patriotism through teaching others about the great history of our strong country, paying tribute to veterans, and volunteering to support my country.” She said patriotism can mean numerous things to different people, and added, “As a young American, I show my support towards my country because I value the freedom the American flag stands for.”
“I’m very impressed with the writing skills of these young students. Their research and understanding of the subject matter is apparent in the content of these essays,” said Veteran Mark Lloyd, a past Commander at VFW Post 1963 and the current organizer of the Patriot’s Pen competition for VFW District 17. He added, “Their understanding of democracy and their patriotism gives hope the future of this great nation is in good hands.”
For more information about VFW Post 1963, visit vfwpost1963.com or visit Post 1963’s headquarters at 301 JFK Boulevard in Sea Isle City.
