Lansing VFW Auxiliary announces its National Anthem Singing Contest

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 has announced the kick-off of the VFW Auxiliary’s National Anthem Singing Contest, “Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue!” Local youth in grades K-12 can showcase their talent, display their patriotism and express their creativity while competing for their share of $2,000 in national awards.

Contestants must submit a video of their solo vocal performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Video must be uploaded to YouTube and submitted to VFW Auxiliary #5981 along with a completed entry form for judging. The video must be recorded between July 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.  Entry will be judged on vocal ability, mastery of lyrics, originality or interpretation and entertainment value.

Contestants may sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the arrangement and genre of their choice: rock, pop, reggae, R&B, hip-hop, country, classical and other genres are accepted. All genres, instruments and backing tracks are welcome for this solo vocal performance contest of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  However, the words of the song can not be changed.

Contestants begin by competing at the local VFW Auxiliary level. The first-place winner from each Auxiliary advances to the Department of Iowa competition.

The contest consists of two grade divisions: K-8 and 9-12. The Department of Iowa first-place winner in each grade division will be forwarded to Auxiliary National Headquarters. There is one National winner in each grade division, with awards for first, second and third place in each grade division. Winners will be notified in July 2023 via the email address provided on the winner’s entry form.

The contest is designed to promote patriotism and encourage youth to learn the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” while displaying their creativity and vocal talent.

Contestant entries must be submitted to Lansing VFW Auxiliary Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 by March 31, 2023. Interested youth, parents/guardians and teachers should email vfwauxiliarylansing@gmail.com for more information. Visit http://www.vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/youth-activities for eligibility requirements, contest rules and an entry form.

The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations and its members are the relatives of those who served in a location of foreign conflict. VFW Auxiliary has nearly 470,000 members representing all 50 states who volunteer millions of hours and give millions of dollars to support veterans, military service personnel and their families.

VFW Auxiliary is a voice for veterans on Capitol Hill and is instrumental in assisting the VFW in passing or blocking legislation that impacts veterans and their families. The organization is one of the top 10 providers of volunteer hours in the VA medical system. Every year, members fund raise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans and their families. VFW Auxiliary also provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for the nation’s youth.

With more than 3,600 Auxiliaries, there is likely one in the local area working to improve the lives of America’s uncommon heroes. Learn more about the VFW Auxiliary at www.vfwauxiliary.org.