New York State Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (R,C-Westbury) is urging world War II and Korean War veterans who left high school to join the military to apply for a diploma through a state program known as Operation Recognition.

Ferrara noted that veterans of these two wars can be awarded a high school diploma thanks to the program, which recognizes the services of those brave men and women who entered the armed forces prior to graduating from high school.

"While our military continues to fight the war on terrorism and readies for a possible invasion of Iraq, I can think of no better way to honor these veterans who sacrificed their high school education to serve their country," Ferrara said.

As a result of legislation approved by the state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. George Pataki, eligible veterans can receive a diploma from the high school they attended decades ago. If the high school the qualified veteran attended no longer exists, a neighboring high school will issue the diploma.

"These brave New Yorkers are a shining example of what it took to keep America free. Many veterans had to give up their formal education to first defend a nation and then provide for their families upon their return. Operation Recognition is a symbolic thank you for their unmatched sacrifice," Ferrara said.

For a veteran to receive a diploma he or she should contact Assemblywoman Ferrara's district office at 150 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 or call 338-2693. He or she will need to present either a WD AGO form 53-55, DD214 form or honorable discharge certificate as proof of service. The school they attended immediately before joining the military will be contacted to issue a diploma. There is no fee or additional requirement.