DIPLOMA PROGRAM FOR VETS WON'T START FOR A FEW MONTHS

The state will not start issuing honorary high school diplomas to World War II veterans until fall at the earliest.

The General Assembly passed legislation last month authorizing the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to issue diplomas to veterans who never completed high school. Gov. Bob Holden hasn't yet signed the bill into law but is expected to do so.

Once signed, the law won't take effect until Aug. 28.

Ron Taylor, a spokes-man for the Missouri Veterans Commission, said eligibility standards, the application process and other details are still being developed. The commission will jointly administer the program with DESE.

Taylor said the goal is too start accepting applications shortly after the law takes affect and begin issuing diplomas by Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The Southeast Missourian will publish information on how to apply as it becomes available.

The diplomas will acknowledge the veteran's military service and list the name of the high school the veteran attended or would have attended.

An effort will be made through veterans groups and local school districts to publicize the program, to be known as Operation Recognition. High schools will be encouraged to hold graduation ceremonies for honorary diploma recipients in their communities.