VFW Post 6464 Patriot's Pen Program received 60 valid applications in the 2025-2026 Program Year.  VFW Post 6464 was privileged to submit four first place winners to VFW Michigan District 6 Competition.

 

Patriot's Pen 2025 - 2026

 

 

 

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

 

by Suzanna G. Clark

 

First Place Winner from Fowlerville Junior High School

 

How am I showing patriotism and support for my country? My idea on what patriotism is and what it means is respecting my country and the people who live in it. Something I previously did to show patriotism is write this essay. The Patriot's Pen Program is a Program which I am participating in. Another time I show patriotism and respect is when I stand up respectfully and have my hand over my heart when the Pledge of Allegiance plays.

Something that I show interest in is participating and volunteering to help in my community. When I do get the chance to help people, I usually take it. I'm fond of learning history about my country because it tells of people that live or lived in it which is intriguing to me. Being responsible near my fellow neighbors and peers is being a role model for ideal behaviors in public or learning spaces. I try to be as respectful, responsible, safe, and polite in common areas so that the people around me do the same. Supporting others also includes being respectful towards their beliefs, opinions, and ways of life. I try not to be exclusive or disrespectful towards people in my day-to-day life.

I acknowledge the importance of patriotic holidays such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Every Fourth of July I join my community in celebrating with fireworks. On Memorial Day I honor people who have perished in the military. On Veterans Day I talk to my relatives who have served. I am kind to the people of my community and I try to do the right thing for the best outcome. Being selfless and helping others in need shows how much you care for the people in your community. In conclusion, I show patriotism by participating in national traditions, learning about the country's history, celebrating patriotic events and holidays, being a role model, being respectful of others, and trying to be an acceptable and selfless citizen.

 

 

 

 

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

 

by Grant Helminen

 

First Place Winner from Fowlerville Junior High School

 

I show patriotism for my countryin many different ways every day. Some ways are just small acts of kindness, but others are a lot bigger. I did not realize I showed patriotism that much until I started researching. As I learned there are many different ways to show patriotism for your country. You do not have to serve in the military or be a government worker to be patriotic.

Here are some of the ways I show patriotism as a student. Standing up respectfully for the national anthem and saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day at school. Leaming the important meanings and history behind national symbols, the flag, and national holidays. Leaming about the government and how the branches operate, and what their roles are in the country. Learn about important historical figures, events and landmarks. Visiting memorials and learning about them. All these things are ways to show patriotism for my country.

Leaming about the government is very important for students like me, because in less than five years I will beable to vote andplay a role in what happens with the government. This makes it very important for students to learn about the government and historical events in our country.

There are other small ways I show patriotism by respecting the people of mycountry.   Someof these things include holding the door for someone, helping them if they areunable to do something, or even something as simple as giving them a compliment to show them they are important and respected.

In conclusion I show patriotism for my country in many different ways. Some of these things are as simpleas holding the door for someone, others are a lot bigger. Showing patriotism is not a small thing but it is showing respect and support for your whole country. 

 

 

 

 

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

 

by Easton L McClellan

 

First Place Winner from Webberville Junior High School

 

Patriotism is a way to represent your country as an Americanor whatever countryyou represent. As an American, I represent my country through my actions and choices—and so do the more than 340 million other people who live here.

One way I show patriotism to my countryis by participating in traditions such as dinners,parties, and gatherings to pay honor to those who served. Another way I can be patriotic is by hanging up the American flag or by singing the National Anthem, or even reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. We decorate our home in red, white, and blue around holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day.

Another way I could be patriotic is by following the rules and laws of our nation. This shows respect to those in authority and to those who fought for our country to be free. Something simple I could do is pick up trash to keep the country clean. This shows that I care and take pride in how our country looks to others. Other simple acts would be visiting a memorial, planting flowers, and even reading about our early history. Watching documentaries can also be considered patriotic. Learning about our past to make our future better.

Next, to show patriotism, I could grow up to join a branch of the military. I have severalfamily members who have served before. Or I could choose a job that honors my country. It doesn’t have to be big; it can be the everyday jobs that normal people have. As long as I am working hard and representing my country to my best, then that is what matters.

In conclusion, I can show patriotism by keeping traditions, following the rules,and working hard at my job. It’s the small everyday things that add up to the big things. Showing patriotism is important to me to keep my country safe.

 

 

 

 

"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

 

by Clarissa K. Turchi

 

First Place Winner from Fowlerville Junior High School

 

Patriotism is important in our world. It can be shown as respect, maturity, and integrity. As a patriotic citizen, I believe that acts of kindness should be shown to those who have served or are currently serving inthe military. From my experience, it can be easy to lift someone's spirit. You could thank them for their service or pay for their meals if they show veteran Attire. Little acts like this can show your accountability as a person and to those who have sacrificed their life to protect ours. As a teenage girl, I believe that if you show goodness to the world, the world will show goodness to you. You can show patriotism by going to a parade. On the fourth of July every year, my town holds a parade. My family attends it to show our support. It's heartwarming to see people of all ages wavinga flag and cheering and being all together as a community. Patriotism is not merely confined to holidays and ceremonies it is woven into the very fabric of our daily lives and decisions. It manifests in acts of kindness and community service that uplift those around us and strengthen the bondsof our society. When we take the time to volunteer, be it cleaning local parks or mentoring younger generations, we actively contribute to the growth and improvement of our nation. Each small action helps cultivate a spirit of unity and shared purpose. Furthermore, true patriotism involves standing firm for the values that define us. In conclusion, patriotism is a multifaceted expression of love and respect for one's country. It goes beyond more than celebrations and encompasses our daily actions and interactions with others. Every time we demonstrate kindness, volunteer our time, or stand up for our values, we contribute to a more united and compassionate society. As individuals, we can influence those around us, inspiring them to recognize the significance of their actions. Embracing patriotism means acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who have served and striving to create an environment where justice, equality, and freedom thrive. Let us remember that our commitment to our nation is reflected in the way we treat each other, fostering a culture of respect and appreciation. By nurturing a spirit of patriotism, we can build a brighter future one that honors our past while embracing the potential for a stronger and more inclusive community. Justice, equality, and freedom.

 

Past Patriots Pen Winners

2025-2026          Suzanna G. Clark               Fowlerville Junior High School                    "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

2025-2026          Grant Helminen                  Fowlerville Junior High School                    "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

2025-2026          Easton L. McClellan          Webberville Junior High School                    "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

2025-2026          Clarissa K. Turchi               Fowlerville Junior High School                    "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"

2024-2025          Grace Mae Schneider          Perry Middle School                                     "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

2023-2024          Grace Mae Schneider          Perry Middle School                                     "How are you inspired by America?"

2022-2023          Bristol M Thomas               Fowlerville Junior High School                    "My Pledge to Our Veterans"

2021-2022          Bristol M Thomas               Fowlerville Junior High School                    "How Can I Be a Good American"

2021-2022          Jackson Harlan                   Williamston Middle School                           "How Can I Be a Good American"

2020-2021          Elsa G. Rosenthal               Fowlerville Junior High School                     "What is Patriotism to Me"

2019-2020          Brennan M Wyrembelski   Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School         "What Makes America Great"

2018-2019          Josiah J. Schafer                 Fowlerville Junior High School                     "Why I Honor the American Flag"