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?”

Comrades,

At our last meeting, we voted to cancel the December meeting in favor of a joint Holiday Dinner with American Legion Post 202.

Date:  Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Time:  6:00 pm (1800 hours)

 

It has been three years since our last Holiday gathering, and I believe this is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and celebrate the season together before the new year begins.

During the evening, we will proudly present the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen awards.

 

RSVP by December 12th to Lorrie Mayes:

Email: rentalagentpost202@gmail.com

Phone: 816-582-2834

I want to sincerely thank each of you for your continued support of Boone County VFW Post 280 and for the respect we have shown to our comrades at American Legion Post 202. By working together, we strengthen both organizations and ensure our mission endures.

 

In comradeship,

Edward L. Miller Jr.

Commander, VFW Post 280

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***UPDATE***

Update for the Wreaths Across America on December 13, 2025, please respond to this email so we have a head count for heading to National Cemetery at Jacksonville meet at the American Legion 8:30-900 am to be at Jacksonville by 10:30 for the ceremony at 1100 am we will also have scrambled egg and sausage, coffee we also will have 15-passanger shuttle bus.

 

 

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 8:30 and 9 on December 13, 2025, to be up at Jacksonville by 10:30 Ceremony starts at 11am

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