Missouri veterans can apply for honorary diplomas

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- War veterans who didn't complete high school can now apply with the Missouri Veterans Commission for honorary diplomas.

A state law that took effect Aug. 28 allows honorably discharged veterans of either World War or the Korean War to receive diplomas. The Veterans Commission will process the applications, but the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will issue the diplomas.

Jim Morris, a DESE spokesman, said the design of the diploma is still being finalized, but the first diplomas should be sent out in November.

"We have the goal of being ready to roll this out by Veterans Day," Morris said.

The diploma will include the recipient's name and an acknowledgment of his or her wartime service. The veteran can receive a generic diploma from DESE or have one listing the specific school from which he or she would have graduated. If the veteran attended one school district but currently lives in another, a diploma issued from the district of residence can be requested.

Operation Recognition

In the coming weeks, DESE will begin asking local school districts to promote the diploma program, known as Operation Recognition, in their communities.

"And to the maximum extent possible, we will encourage districts to hold ceremonies for veterans, if that suits the needs of their communities," Morris said.

Samuel McVay, the executive director of the Veterans Commission, said several veterans requested diplomas during the time since Gov. Bob Holden signed the legislation in July and when the law went into effect last week. Applications have already been mailed to those individuals.

Veterans or their families may request an application by calling the commission at (573) 751-3779. Diplomas will be awarded posthumously.

Qualifying dates of military service for eligibility are April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918; Dec. 7, 1941, to Dec. 31, 1946; and June 27, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955.

The deadline is looming for another veterans recognition program, with few eligible veterans so far taking advantage of it.

World War II veterans have until Jan. 1 to apply with the state for a medallion, medal and certificate of appreciation for their service.

McVay said more than 127,000 Missouri veterans are eligible for the honor, but only about 2,000 have applied.

"We are trying hard to get the word out statewide before the deadline," McVay said.

Eligible veterans must have been honorably discharged and served in the military between Dec. 7, 1941, and Sept. 30, 1945.

Those who participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, are also eligible for Jubilee of Liberty medals honoring their service on D-Day.

The Missouri National Guard is administering the medals programs. Applications are available on the Guard's Web site at www.moguard.com, by calling (573) 638-9983 or by writing the Office of the Adjutant General, WWII Veterans Recognition Program, P.O. Box 1808, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.

Unlike the diploma program, the medals are available only to veterans who were living at the time of application.

Both diplomas and medals will be awarded at no cost to the veteran.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608