As Missouri prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger is inviting students across the state to take part in a patriotic letter-writing initiative. Students are encouraged to submit reflections on why they are proud to be an American, with selected entries earning the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism. The program outlines specific prompts, word counts by grade level, and submission guidelines, with a March 1, 2026 deadline. Winning students will be recognized at a special ceremony, and one standout letter will receive the Lieutenant Governor’s highest distinction.