Earlier this and last month, some 45 World War II and Korean War veterans from the 15th and 19th Assembly Districts finally received something they'd been waiting for almost their whole lives - a high school diploma.

On Dec. 4, just three days before the 62nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, an Operation Recognition ceremony was held at Westbury Village Hall. In November, three local residents were honored at a similar ceremony held at the Wantagh American Legion Post 1273. At the ceremonies, local veterans from the 15th and 19th Assembly Districts who served in all sectors of the military during World War II or Korea were recognized for their personal sacrifice of leaving high school prior to graduation and were presented with their respective diplomas.

"I'm proud to be able to honor Nassau County veterans who have distinguished themselves by serving our country," said Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara, who hosted the ceremony at Westbury Village Hall along with special guest, Congressman Peter King. "Operation Recognition recognizes our veterans and their sacrifices and contributions. Without thought of personal gain or scholastic achievement, these veterans took an oath to protect our country, values and beliefs. What they have learned from their service to our country more than qualifies them for a high school diploma."

Congressman King told the veterans, "Without hesitation, you serviced our country and allowed the United States to be free today. We could never really thank you for the sacrifices that you made." He added, "This is a really long deserved tribute. These [veterans] put their lives in jeopardy to save our nation."

Assemblyman Dave McDonough honored three WWII veterans, one a resident of Levittown, by awarding them with their diplomas during a ceremony held on Veterans Day at the Wantagh American Legion.

"This is an opportunity to honor the commitment these men made to serve. The dedication, the sense of duty shown by these men goes beyond description, and the freedoms we enjoy today are due, in large part, to their effort and the efforts of all veterans," Assemblyman McDonough stated.

While each veteran was presented with an actual high school diploma at the ceremony, some did not get diplomas from the high school they would have actually graduated from due to the fact that some high schools no longer exist or are now under different names. Operation Recognition, which was signed into legislation by Governor George E. Pataki, is the result of a September 2001 New York State Education Law that allows World War II veterans to receive a high school diploma based on knowledge and experience gained while in service. In November 2001, an amendment was made to include any veteran of the armed forces who served in the Korean conflict.

In a published report, George Basher of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs, said, "Thousands of young men and women willingly set aside their education and the comforts of home to join the military once our nation was catapulted into World War II. After the war, many never returned to school, but rather began families and careers, while becoming role models and leaders within their communities. Operation Recognition is a small gesture of gratitude for their many sacrifices."

There is neither a fee nor any additional requirements necessary beyond having attended a New York State school and having served in the military during World War II or Korea. Veterans interested in obtaining a high school diploma should contact the school they attended immediately prior to joining the military or its successor if the school has been replaced or merged into a school district. Veterans needing proof of military service should contact the nearest New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs office for assistance in obtaining documentation of active duty during World War II.

To qualify, veterans must have attended a New York State school and have served in the armed forces during wartime. According to the New York State Education department website, to be eligible for a high school diploma, veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict must submit evidence of service during either World War II (Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946) or the Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950 through Jan. 31, 1955). Documentation may include discharge papers or other such documents or a letter from a recognized veteran's agency affirming such service.

In addition, candidates do not need to show evidence of attendance at a school in New York State. They only need to affirm in writing that they do not possess a high school diploma. Candidates possessing a High School Equivalency or GED diploma are eligible for the program. Also, diplomas may be awarded to next of kin, if eligibility is established.

Most qualifying veterans will be required to present one of the following as evidence of their service: A DD214 - The Defense Department discharge form, which was initiated during World War II; an Honorable Discharge Certificate - for persons discharged prior to the implementation of the DD214, this may be their only evidence; or a Special Discharge from the Coast Guard or Merchant Marines - Individuals who served as Merchant Mariners in World War II are now recognized as being World War II veterans and are therefore included in this legislation.

Veterans who do not have the above mentioned documents should contact their local Office of Veterans Affairs and have a counselor help them in obtaining evidence of service from military archives. School districts may use attendance records on file in the district, evidence of attendance submitted by the applicant, or may verify attendance through other means.

For more information about Operation Recognition program or to learn if you qualify to receive your high school diploma, contact the New York State Education Department's Workforce Development Program Support Team in Albany at (518) 486-1547, Assemblyman McDonough's district office at 731-8830 (or visit the office at 3000 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 110 in Levittown) or contact Assemblywoman Ferrara at her District Office in Westbury at 338-2693.