• West York VFW 8951

    Located at:
    1800 Andrews St.
    York, PA 17404

    Phone: (717) 848-1056

    Visit the VFW Post 8951 website

    CONTESTS!

    Voice of Democracy
    The 2022-23 theme is:
    "Why is the Veteran Important?"

    Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

    The national first place winner receives a $30,000 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-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements. Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31Download and complete the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy entry form here.

    Patriot's Pen
    The 2022-23 theme is:
    "My Pledge to Our Veterans."

    Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

    The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements.  Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form here.

  • DISPLAYING THE FLAG

    On Same Staff 
    U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag. 

    Grouped 
    U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. 

    Marching 
    U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left). 

    On Speaker's Platform
    When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right. 

    Decoration
    Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. 

    Salute
    All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. 

    Over a Street 
    Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street. 

    Half Staff
    On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. 

    Special Rules
    Do not let the flag touch the ground. 
    Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. 
    Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. 
    Do not use the flag as clothing. 
    Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. 
    Do not use it as a cover. 
    Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. 
    Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag. 

    Illumination Guidelines
    Per Federal Flag Code, Section 2, paragraph (a), it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.