Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Competition
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)
About
An annual patriotic audio-essay contest for students in grades 9–12: entrants record a 3–5 minute essay on the year's theme and submit it with a typed essay to a local VFW Post. Winners advance from Post to District, state and national levels, with a $35,000 national first prize. Also required: submit through a participating local VFW Post.
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation.
Who can apply
Grades 9–12
“The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions”
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or applied for permanent residence
“Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.”
Must be under 20
“Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible.”
Essay prompts
- 1.What a Veteran Taught Me About America