The themes for this year’s Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests offered by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have been announced. “We like to announce the themes as early as we can so students can get started on their projects,” said Ladies Auxiliary president Phyllis Barnes. Patriot’s Pen provides students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes.