Deadline Approaching for Eligible Area Veterans to Receive High School Diplomas
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is again awarding high school diplomas to qualifying U.S. veterans and Japanese American citizens through its popular “Operation Recognition” program. The application deadline is Monday, May 3, 2010. The Sacramento County Board of Education will award diplomas at a special Operation Recognition ceremony on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.
The Operation Recognition program was adopted in October 2001 by the Sacramento County Board of Education to honor the contributions and sacrifices of individuals who missed completing high school to serve in the U.S. military (specifically World War II or the Korean War) or relocate to a World War II internment camp for Japanese American citizens.
In 2005, the County Board of Education expanded the program to include veterans of the Vietnam War. The Board has provided diplomas to 142 qualifying veterans and Japanese American citizens through Operation Recognition since 2001. Four of the diplomas have been awarded posthumously.
“During times of war, thousands of young men and women across this country left high school to serve in the armed forces. Their sacrifices ensured our freedom, and shaped the course of history,” said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon. “Operation Recognition is a small, and overdue, gesture of gratitude for the great sacrifices and contributions these individuals made in the name of freedom.”
Residents of Sacramento County are encouraged to request diplomas on behalf of themselves or qualifying family members, including persons who are now