Assemblyman David G. McDonough recently announced an opportunity for veterans who dropped out of high school to serve during World War II or the Korean War to received a high school diploma.

McDonough said that these men and women will be awarded a high school diploma as part of Operation Recognition, which recognizes the service of these veterans, as well as the wealth of knowledge and education obtained during their time in the military and throughout their lives.

"Operation Recognition is a program designed to thank the many veterans who sacrificed their high school education to serve their country," McDonough said.

As a result of legislation approved by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor George Pataki, any veteran who served in World War II or the Korean War and attended a New York State high school will be awarded a high school diploma.

"As Americans and New Yorkers, we owe a great debt to the men and women who fought to ensure our freedom," said McDonough. "Many veterans had to forego their education, first to defend their country, then to support their family when they returned home. Awarding them this diploma is a way of saying "thank you" to those who have sacrificed so much for us all."

For a veteran to receive a diploma, he or she should contact Assemblyman McDonough's office at 731-8830. He or she will need to present either a WD AGO form 53-55, DD214 form or honorable discharge certificate as proof or service. The school he or she attended immediately before joining the military will then be contacted to issue a diploma. There is no fee or additional requirement.