Nominees Sought For 'Operation Recognition' In Solano County

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – The Solano County Office of Education is participating in “Operation Recognition” which honors U.S. veterans and Japanese-American citizens who were unable to continue high school due to wartime circumstances by awarding them with high school diplomas.

In the 1940s, '50s, '60s and' 70s, thousands of young men and women left high school and home to join the U.S. armed forces in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Also during World War II, many Japanese-American citizens were interned in relocation camps across the United States, district officials said.

California Education Code section 51430 authorizes retroactive awarding of high school diplomas to eligible veterans and persons detained in internment camps during World War II -- individuals unable to finish high school and receive diplomas.

“Operation Recognition allows us to acknowledge our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to ensure the freedom and safety of our country,” said Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools. “These Veterans and Japanese-American citizens will be presented with diplomas and the experience of graduation that they missed while sacrificing for our freedom.”

Solano County residents are encouraged to submit names of those who qualify for the "operation Recognition" program. Individuals will be honored during a ceremony, hosted in collaboration with other cities and veterans’ organizations in Solano County, on Friday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.

Who is eligible?

• Individuals who served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War and were honorably discharged.
• Japanese-American citizens who left high school due to internment in World War II relocation camps.
• 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.
• Families may apply for an Operation Recognition diploma on behalf of an eligible person who is deceased.

How to apply:

• Complete the Operation Recognition diploma application, and submit it along with the required documentation of military service or internment.

• Applications are available on the Solano County Office of Education website www.solanocoe.net, by calling 707-399-4429, or at the Solano County Office of Education, 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534, during normal business hours.

• Applications are due Friday, Oct. 12.

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ALSO SEE: Solano Co. School Superintendent To Receive Woman Of Year Award

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