Heroes’ Voices National Poetry Contest

Are you a US veteran who writes poetry? Do you know a US veteran who writes poetry?

All US Military Veterans are invited to submit original poetry to the 2017 Heroes’ Voices National Veterans Poetry Contest, produced in cooperation with George Mason University in Manassas, Virginia.

When veterans share their poetry, it provides an extraordinary and intimate window into their minds and hearts. This contest provides a national platform for veterans’ voices.

Our jury and advisors include:

Major General John Borling
Poet
USAF-Retired

Lawrence Felinghetti
Poet and artist

Alejandro Murguía
Poet Laureate of San Francisco

Colonel David Rabb
Poet
US Army-Retired

David Whyte
Poet and philosopher

The jury will select four winners:

The first place winner will receive $1,000.
The second place winner will receive $500.
The third place winner will receive $250.
The fourth place winner will receive $100.

All of the winning poems, along with a selection of other relevant poetry, will be featured in public readings in San Francisco, California and at George Mason University in Manassas, Virginia in the spring of 2017 and in a chap book (a limited edition booklet) to be published by Heroes’ Voices.

The theme of the contest is The Soldiers’ Journey: Poems about the experience of being in the armed services and/or being a veteran. Poems may be inspired by personal triumphs or tragedies, relationships, health, spiritual insights, community, family and social issues, affected by your service in the military.

Entries can be submitted online or via US Mail. All entries must be submitted between January 15 and March 15, 2017.