School Boards May Award Diplomas to Korean War Veterans

The state House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Rep. David Kiner (D-Enfield) that would allow boards of education to award high school diplomas to veterans of the Korean War who left school early to enlist in the armed forces in service to their country.
 
“The fact that this bill (HB 6319) received unanimous support from both Democrats and Republicans is very gratifying,” Kiner said. “The unanimous approval shows how much our war veterans mean to us and how much they deserve to be recognized for what they have done for our country.”
 
In presenting the bill for a vote Wednesday in the House Chamber, Kiner said he came up with the idea for the legislation after a constituent, Greg Stokes, told him that he received an honorary diploma from his school in Michigan after serving in the Navy. Stokes of Enfield is the chairman of the board of education.

“After I heard Greg’s heartfelt story of receiving his diploma in Michigan, I immediately thought that we should do the same for Connecticut residents,” Kiner said.
 
The legislation now goes to the Senate where it is expected to win approval.
 
Kiner is serving his first two-year term and represents the 59th House District in Enfield.