Lake Elsinore, Wildomar War Vets Without Diplomas Have Only Days Left To Apply Through Special Program

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Veterans of foreign wars who didn't graduate from high school have until Tuesday to apply for graduation certificates issued through a Riverside County program that awards diplomas to former airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines who gave up school to serve their country.

The county Office of Education this year will conduct its 11th "Operation Recognition" program for the benefit of veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. The ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon of Nov. 13 at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center.

Office of Education officials had previously set a deadline of Oct. 4 for the filing of applications to receive certificates and attend this year's graduation, but the deadline was extended to Oct. 17 at the request of the county Department of Veterans Services.

Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young said that the more than 300 veterans who have received diplomas under Operation Recognition are "outstanding individuals (who) are well deserving" of the honor.

The program was initiated in 2007, with ceremonies always immediately before or after Veterans Day. Some of the county residents awarded diplomas have been over 90 years old.

Operation Recognition 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.

Forms can be downloaded at www.rcoe.us/operationrecognition, or requested via phone through Tracey Case at (951) 826-6570.

— By City News Service / Image via Pixabay