Ledyard VFW Post 4608 is honored to have had 13 entries in the Patriot’s Pen (PP) and two in the Voice of Democracy (VOD) essay contests. We are proud to announce that out of those entries, 3 PP and 2 VOD were selected to represent the Post at the District level, where they placed 1st and 3rd in PP and 1st in VOD. From there they were on to State, winning 1st place in both categories and a chance at Nationals. Congratulations to all who participated and specifically to Isabella Ruta, from Preston Plains Middle School, and Sidhaarth Bulusu, from East Lyme High School, on their outstanding essays.

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 80,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “Why is the Veteran Important?” Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $35,000.

The Patriot’s Pen youth essay competition, also sponsored by the VFW, gives students across the nation an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “My Pledge to Our Veterans”. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and national level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000.