2023 Susquehanna Chapter, MOAA

Veterans Day Essay Contest

The Veterans Day Essay Contest provides middle and high school students in Harford County Public, Private, or Homeschools an opportunity to express their thoughts about Veterans in their own words. The contest is presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

2023 Essay Theme

“Honoring Veterans”

Our Country honors Veterans in many different ways from expressions of thanks and gratitude to parades, award ceremonies, and other public recognition. Other ways to honor veterans include programs that provide health care and education for them or family members, and ceremonies that commemorate their service and sacrifice. Participants will write an essay that expresses the theme “Honoring Veterans,” and what it means to them.  

Essay Categories:

• Grades 6 – 8
• Grades 9 - 12

The contest is open to public, private or home-school students at the middle school or high school level in Harford County, Maryland.

Rules, Submission, and Judging

• Only one entry per student. There is no entry fee to participate.
• Essays are limited to 800 words or less and must address the theme.
• The essay must be original work written by the student.
• Formatting requirements:
  • Microsoft Word or PDF
  • Font: Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced
  • Essay Title must appear on the front page at the top of the essay
• All essays must be submitted electronically.
  • Each digital file should be named in the following format: Grade Level_First Name_Last Name of the student (Example: Grade 9 John Doe).
  • Each essay must be submitted with an entry form to be eligible for judging. The form must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian.
• Entries must be submitted by October 16, 2023.
• The judging panel may include representatives from MOAA, educators, and community members.
• Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Expression of theme, 50%
  • Thoughtfulness and creativity, 25%
  • Grammar and composition, 25%

To Enter the Contest

• Complete the 2023 MOAA Veterans Day Essay Contest Entry Form that can be downloaded from Susquehanna Chapter MOAA website at Essay Contest Entry Form
• Completed contest entry forms and digital essays in Word/PDF format should be emailed to moaaessaycontest@gmail.com
• All entries must be received by October 16, 2023.

All authors, including the winners, will retain the rights to their work. Entry in the contest constitutes full permission to publish names and photos of winners and their essay without further compensation. The determination of eligibility of entries and any interpretation of these rules is at the sole discretion of the Essay Contest Committee of the Susquehanna Chapter, Military Officers Association of America. Decisions shall be final and binding upon all entrants.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.  Please let us know of any special needs by emailing moaaessaycontest@gmail.com.  

Prizes & Recognition

The top three essays in each grade category will receive monetary prizes. First place winners will receive $100, second place winners will receive $75, and third place winners will receive $50. Winners will also receive a special challenge coin. Monetary prizes are sponsored by Boyle Buick.

Every participant will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Excerpts from winning essays will be displayed, and winners will be invited to read their essay at an award ceremony sponsored by the Susquehanna Chapter of MOAA.  Winning essays will also be forwarded to the Military Officers Association of America for consideration to be published in their monthly national magazine. Local news media outlets may also publish the winning or other essays.

The contest details are available in PDF format at the link below.