Deadline Extended For 'Operation Recognition' Diplomas

From The Solano Education Office: In the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, thousands of young men and women left high school and the comforts of home to serve in the United States Armed Forces to defend our Country in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Additionally, during World War II many Japanese-American citizens were interned in relocation camps across the United States. After these wars, many of these individuals were not able to finish high school and receive a high school diploma.

California Education Code section 51430 authorizes the retroactive awarding of high school diplomas to eligible Veterans and persons who were detained in internment camps during World War II. The Solano County Office of Education is proud to participate in “Operation Recognition” which honors U.S. Veterans and interned Japanese-American citizens who were unable to continue high school due to wartime circumstances by awarding them with high school diplomas. “Operation Recognition is an opportunity to honor individuals who sacrificed their lives for our country” said Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County

Superintendent of Schools. “This is a small gesture of our society's gratitude for the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. These Veterans and previously interned Japanese-American citizens will be presented with diplomas and the experience of graduation that they missed.”

Who is eligible?
• Individuals who served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War, or Vietnam War and were honorably discharged.
• Japanese-American citizens who left high school due to internment in World War II relocation camps.
• All recipients must have been enrolled in a high school prior to enlistment in military service or internment in a World War II relocation camp.
• Families may apply for an Operation Recognition diploma on behalf of an eligible person who is deceased.

How to apply:
Complete the Operation Recognition diploma application and submit it along with the required documentation of military servic or internment. Applications are available on the Solano County Office of Education website www.solanocoe.net, by calling 707- 399-4429, or at the Solano County Office of Education located at 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534, during normal business hours. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 19, 2018.

Individuals will be honored during a ceremony hosted in collaboration with other cities and Veterans’ organizations in Solano County. The event will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 4:00 p.m.

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