Voice of Democracy 2022-23

The 2022-23 theme is: 
“Why is the Veteran Important?”

2022-2023 Official Entry Form

For more information

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and your sponsoring VFW Post 2197 as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.

About the past 2021-2022 winner …

All entries competing at the Post level must be in the hands of that VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2022. It is the responsibility of the student to meet this deadline by submitting their entry to the proper location by ensuring it is a participating Post

Daniela Mare, a junior at Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, was named the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Daniela’s speech on the theme, “America: Where Do We Go from Here?” won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Daniela VFW Post 9486 and its Auxiliary in Centereach, New York. Watch as Daniela delivered her speech during the VFW’s virtual Parade of Winners award ceremony.

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full virtual Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year’s complete list of winners.