United States

WWII, Korean and Vietnam War Vets to Receive Diplomas Ahead of Veterans Day

Nine U.S. military veterans who missed an important rite of passage, graduating high school, in order to fight for their country, were honored Thursday at a ceremony where they at long last received their diplomas in Moreno Valley.

The Riverside County Office of Education held its 10th annual "Operation Recognition" program for veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Despite not having finished school, the veterans — including a WWII vet in his 90s — were eligible to receive their graduation certificates. 

"Our veterans are qualified and well deserving to receive diplomas," said county Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young. "We want to do everything we can to make it possible for these outstanding individuals to share that experience with their family and friends."

The nine former service members were slated to receive their graduation certificates during an afternoon ceremony at the Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center. They were decked out in caps and gowns, and some in full uniform. 

The oldest among the men is 95-year-old Walter Schedler of Murrieta, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was in the California National Guard but was activated to full-time service after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 75th anniversary of which will be observed on Dec. 7.

"When I became an adult, I told myself, I should have stayed in high school," Schedler said. "I fibbed to get jobs. I got away with it for years. I'm ready to get my diploma."

More than 300 vets have received their diplomas since Operation Recognition's started in 2007. 

The program is based on California Education Code 51440, which permits the retroactive granting of graduation certificates to honorably discharged or retired veterans who served while the country was on a war footing. All they have to do is sign up.

The Office of Education processes applications every year until the first week of October.

City News Service contributed to this report. 

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us