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Competition · Online

VFW Voice of Democracy 2026–27 — audio essay contest

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States · Worldwide

No foreign travel required

Write and record an original English audio essay on What a Veteran Taught Me About America.

Grade
9–12
Age
Under 20
Details under Eligibility
School attendance
United States
Entry
Open application
Check it against your grade

The Veterans of Foreign Wars judges original 3–5-minute audio essays, with a maximum five-second tolerance, in the student’s own voice. Submit MP3, not video, plus typed essay and signed official form through one participating local VFW Post. Judging weights originality 35%, delivery 35%, content 30%; selected post entries advance to district, state and national judging. Keep the essay body anonymous: no name, school/address or identifying race, sex, religion, national origin/personal details; general American identity relevant to the theme is allowed. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects. The student is sole author and certifies no inappropriate AI/ChatGPT use. One post/competition per year; do not reuse this essay for another VFW contest. VFW retains nonexclusive audio/essay/name/likeness promotional rights.

Topics

HumanitiesCivics
Read more on vfw.org