National Awards Program

Military Essay
Sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Pennsylvania. Open to personnel of the Armed Forces on active or reserve duty and members of the National Guard, ROTC and JROTC components.

Typed essays should be 500 to 1,000 words in length. Entry must include name, rank, social security number, service designation, military address, permanent home address, phone number, plus name and address of commanding officer. JROTC entries must also include name and address of military instructor. Please indicate youth or adult on entry form. Only one entry per person.

2010 Topic: "A Thank You Letter to Veterans"

Entry Format:
Submit scrapbook, ring binder, photo album, video or CD-ROM of substantiating material. Include items such as news clippings, photo, letters of commendation, programs, etc. A one-page summary must be included with the entry stating why it should be selected for a Freedoms Foundation National Award. Click here to download the National Awards Nomination Form.

Entry Specification:
Limit one book per entry. Only one video of CD-ROM may be submitted. Entries should be secured in either a scrapbook, binder, notebook or photo album.

Selection Process:
Awards selections are determined in accordance with established procedures by a distinguished, independent National Awards jury of state Supreme Court justices, officers from national patriotic, service and civic clubs, veterans and educational organizations. The jury is instructed to review the one-page summary and look favorably on current programs and projects.

Awards:
Recipients receive the George Washington Honor Medal. In the Military Essay category, recipients also receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. In the Youth Essay Category, the meritorious recipient receives a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.

Award Announcement:
Recipients will be notified in the fall. Ceremonies honoring the recipients are conducted nationwide by Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge volunteer chapters.