The Veterans of Foreign Wars believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism. Each year youthful minds are encouraged to examine OUR nation's history and their own experiences in modern American society through our Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition and the Patriot's Pen youth essay-writing contest. Starting in September of each year the VFW, Post 1503 solicits input from students who are enrolled in a public, private, parochial high school or a home study program within the boundaries of the Eastern end of Prince William County.