Veterans take part in diploma program

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri veterans who left high school early to serve in World War I, World War II or the Korean War are taking advantage of a law allowing them to receive honorary diplomas.

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said Monday that more than 800 Missouri veterans have received diplomas since the program began last year.

Lawmakers passed legislation authorizing the program in 2001 and Gov. Bob Holden awarded the first diplomas during Veterans Day ceremonies last fall.

The state education department worked with the Missouri Veterans' Commission to create the program and oversee it.

The diplomas, which can be awarded posthumously, are available to all honorably discharged veterans of those wars.