Solano Co. Veterans Can Receive Retroactive High School Diplomas

Solano County Office of Education: The Solano County Office of Education, located at 5100 Business Center Drive in Fairfield, is participating in “Operation Recognition” which honors U.S. Veterans and Japanese-American citizens who were unable to finish high school due to wartime circumstances with retroactive high school diplomas.

During the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, thousands of young men and women left high school and the comforts of home to serve in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II many Japanese-American citizens were interned in relocation camps in various locations across the United States. After these wars, many of these individuals were not able to finish high school and receive high school diplomas. Veterans and Japanese-American citizens now have the opportunity to be granted diplomas as a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices they made.

“We are privileged to honor and recognize local Veterans with diplomas. Our veterans have made sacrifices for the freedom and the safety of our country, and this is one way that we can recognize our veterans for all they have done for of us.” remarked Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano Superintendent of Schools.

Who is eligible?

· Individuals who served in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War and were honorably discharged from their military service.

· Japanese-American citizens who left high school due to internment in World War II relocation camps.

· Families may apply for Operation Recognition diplomas on behalf of eligible persons who are deceased.

Specifics for eligibility:

· All recipients must have been enrolled in a high school prior to enlistment in military service or internment in a World War II relocation camp.

· Military service must have been during the following periods:

WWII – December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946

Korean War – June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955

Vietnam War – February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975

· Japanese-American citizens must show proof of having been interned in a relocation camp during the period of September 16, 1940 to December 31, 1946.

How to apply:

Complete the Operation Recognition diploma application and submit it along with the required documentation of military service or internment. Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2020.

Individuals will be honored during a ceremony hosted in collaboration with other cities and Veterans’ organizations in Solano County. The event will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Obtain an application on the Solano County Office of Education website www.solanocoe.net or by calling (707) 399-4429. Forms are also available at the Solano County Office of Education at 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534.

Additional Information:

California law (Education Code §51440) authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible Veterans. Effective January 1, 2004, California Assembly Bill 781 was enacted as law (Education Code §51430), specifically authorizing the retroactive granting of diplomas to persons whose internment by federal order in World War II prevented them from graduating from their hometown high school.

Similar programs have been implemented in other regions of California, as well as across the nation.