The 2025 VFW Washington Conference was held March 2-6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
For nearly 75 years, the VFW's annual Washington Conference has provided an opportunity for VFW leaders from each state to personally lobby their respective lawmakers and watch as the VFW's current Commander-in-Chief testifies on Capitol Hill before the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on behalf of veterans.
Guest speakers are invited to address conference delegates, and since 1964, the VFW's Congressional Award has been presented annually to one sitting member of the House or Senate for their significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform. This year, Rep. Derrick Van Orden was presented the 2025 VFW Congressional Award his relentless advocacy on behalf of veterans and service members.
Kicking off the conference, the national winners of the 78th annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen scholarship contests were announced during the Parade of Winners ceremony, sponsored by Twisted X. First place Voice of Democracy winner, Tri Vu submitted his $35,000-winning essay answering this year’s thought-provoking theme, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” A high school senior at Central High School from Manchester, New Hampshire, Vu was sponsored by Queen City Memorial VFW Post 8214 in Manchester. The 2025 Patriot’s Pen first place winner Evelyn Newbigging was awarded the top Patriot’s Pen award of $5,000. Newbigging was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in Indian Land, South Carolina.
Heeding the call to “march forth,” on March 4 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and VFW Auxiliary members packed the house alongside Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt as he testified before a special joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.
If you missed anything from the 2025 Washington Conference, watch on demand here or find #VFWDC2025 on social media platforms.