2024 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.

2024 Essay Theme

“A Conversation With a D-Day Veteran”

This year is the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, 6 June 1944, the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during the Second World War.  Historians often refer to D-Day as the beginning of the end of World War II because it began to turn the tide against Nazi Germany. Participants will write an essay that expresses the theme “A Conversation With a D-Day Veteran” in their own written words.  

Imagine you have the chance to speak with a veteran who participated in the D-Day invasion during World War II. What would you say to them and why? Consider the bravery and sacrifice involved in their actions and how it has impacted history. Share your thoughts and feelings in your response. 

Essays should be historically accurate but are not intended to be research papers about D-Day.  The essay should be an original thought piece that addresses the theme.  The use of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted writing programs is not authorized 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.
• Entries must be submitted by October 20, 2024.
• 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 2024 MOAA Veterans Day Essay Contest Entry Form that can be downloaded from 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, 2024.

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 $150, second place winners will receive $100, and third place winners will receive $85. Winners will also receive a special challenge coin. Monetary prizes are sponsored by Anderson Buick GMC of Abingdon.   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 8, 2024.  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.