Patriot's Pen Writing Contest. Each year, more and more participants enter the VFW's Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest for a chance to win their share of more than 900 state and national awards. Each state first place winner receives at least national and first place national, WASHINGTON – Tonight at the VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars' annual Winners Parade ceremony, the organization proudly presented more than 171 scholarships and awards. naming national winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen youth scholarship competitions. Sponsored by Twisted, entries for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay contests must be received by a participating local VFW newspaper no later than October 31. Dedicated to encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of America, the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen programs WASHINGTON - The VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars proudly presented more than 200 scholarships and awards this evening by naming national winners of competitions Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen youth scholarships. The awards were presented during the Winners' Parade ceremony, sponsored by Twisted,