2025 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.

2025 Essay Theme

“How has military service changed over the course of our nation’s 250 year history?”

In this 5^th year of the Essay Contest, we recognize many significant milestones. The U.S. Army celebrates 250 years (June 14), the U.S. Navy celebrates 250 years (October 13), and the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years (November 10) all prior to our celebrating 250 years as a nation next year.

Essay contest participants will compare and contrast military service over the course of our nation’s 250 year history. How has service to our country evolved over this time period? Provide specific examples for those areas you feel have changed and those areas which remain the same (topics might include military policy, personnel, equipment, etc.)

Historical accuracy is important when referring to actual events. The essay should be an original thought piece that addresses the theme.  The use of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted writing programs is not permitted and essays will be monitored for use of AI assisted writing programs.   

Essay Categories:

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

• Grades 6 – 8
• Grades 9 - 12

Rules, Submission, and Judging

• Only one entry per student. There is no entry fee to participate.
• Essays are limited to 1000 words or less and must address the theme.
• The essay must be original work written by the student. The use of AI assisted writing programs is not permitted and essays will be monitored for use of AI assisted writing programs.
• 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/teacher.
• Entries must be submitted by October 20, 2025.
• 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 2025 MOAA Veterans Day Essay Contest Entry Form which can be downloaded from the Susquehanna Chapter MOAA website at https://www.moaasusquehanna.org/contest. 
• 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 20, 2025.

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 entries in the four grade categories will receive monetary prizes. First place winners will receive $50, second place winners will receive $35, and third place winners will receive $25. Winners will also receive a special challenge coin. Monetary prizes are sponsored by Anderson Buick GMC of Abingdon, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union, and the MG Harry Greene Chapter of AUSA in Aberdeen. 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 on November 7, 2025.  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.