Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 26,400 Freshmen (9th) through Senior (12th) grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

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. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. 

The 2025-26 theme is: 

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

Commander’s Corner – December 2025

Comrades,

We voted to cancel our December Meeting in favor a joint Holiday meal with the American Legion, and they also voted to have this joint meal and since it has been a long three years since we last had a Holiday Meal, I felt it was appropriate that we take this time to have a period of relaxation and recharge our batteries for the ensuing year. We have had a busy year for our post we have accomplished a lot of good things, and we need to continue working on helping the community and our Veterans in need. We will also have our Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen awards on that night as well, the dinner will be December 17, 2025, and will start around 5pm, as more information comes available i will get the information to you, this will be an RSVP event so that we have a good head count there will be a flyer coming out soon for this event.

I want to thank everyone for their continued support of Post VFW 280 and the respect that we have shown Post 202 and the continued effort of working together to make both organizations stronger going forward. Again, Thank you.

Thank you,

Edward L. Miller Jr.

Commander

VFW Post 280  

 

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Comrades,

Here is the information I have for the December 13, 2025, Wreaths across America at the Military Cemetery at Jacksonville. (This up dated info is from Chris Raymer):

 

I’m going to post a HOTH mission on this when it gets a little closer. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 on the 13th of December. I generally have the guy's stage at 10:00 AM to prepare for the arrival of guests. The PGR will assist with parking cars and the handicapped. A few may be asked to drive golf carts to assist with this. Just prior to the beginning of the event, the PGR and anyone else that would care to stand the flag line, will gather at the committal shelter for the flag line. 

  As a rule, there are plenty of people to set the wreaths. It’s generally like opening morning of trout season. But if the weather is bad, there may not be many people. The wreaths are distributed throughout the cemetery, so there won’t be much to worry about. We usually help with tearing the boxes down and placing them on pallets. It pretty quick and easy. I do appreciate all the help we can get. 

Thanks

Chris Raymer, ASC

Comrade Will Johnson has graciously offered up his 15-passenger shuttle bus for the trip to Jacksonville anyone wanting to ride the shuttle please be at the American Legion between 9-9:30 on December 13, 2025, to be up at Jacksonville by 10:30 Ceremony starts at 11am

 

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