The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is now seeking entries for its Virginia War Memorial 2026 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest. This annual competition is open to all Virginia middle and high school age public, private, and homeschooled students. One winner will be selected from among all middle school entries (grades 6-8) and one from high school entries (grades 9-12).
This year’s essay topic is “A Virginian Who Served in the Military Who Inspires Me.” Students may consider a member of their family, of their community, or any Virginian who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, anywhere in the world, from World War II to present-day as their subject.
The two winners will be invited to come and participate in the Commonwealth’s 70th annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Each winning student will also receive a $500 cash prize donated by the nonprofit Virginia War Memorial Foundation.
Essays should be 500-750 words in length and utilize interviews and primary sources whenever possible. Students may contact Sylvia Marshall, Virginia War Memorial Archivist ([email protected]) for additional resources regarding Virginia military veterans. Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, adherence to the contest theme and guidelines, proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Detailed information regarding rules, guidelines and how to enter is available online at https://vawarmemorial.org/learn/contests-scholarships/essay/.
All entries must be submitted through the Virginia War Memorial website by 11:59 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. For additional information or questions, please contact Elizabeth Oglesby, the Memorial’s Education Outreach & Programs Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 804-786-9700.
