Yesterday, The School Board gave us what to many would be a small token for our Service to this Nation.
Yesterday, in my case, anyway, I received my High School Diploma from Battle Ground High School, some 39 years after I started.
It was a packed room... packed with friends... packed with memories.
There were supposed to be 12 of us. One was called away out of town on business... his wonderful mom was their to accept the diploma for him. One was in Hawaii, seeing his daughter off on her deployment to Iraq. Some of us were Marines... some were Army... Some were Air Force. All were moved and touched by this gesture of achievement so long denied.
I personally want to thank the Battle Ground School Board; the Superintendent, Shonny Bria; the Principal (Bill Penrose) and staff at the Middle School, the volunteers and the kids who gave of themselves to entertain us with their wonderful songs, chime playing and Science Olympiad entries.
There was a cake and coffee reception in the library afterwords, filled with camaraderie.
Of special note was that the First Mike, Mike Gregoire, took time off his busy day to come all the way down here to present the diplomas. Accompanied by John Lee, state Director of Veterans Affairs and an acquaintance of long standing; they were personable, outgoing and an absolute delight to chat with. They also came to the reception, met with the family members and had time for everyone.
It has been a hole in my life for a long time. As a college grad, it was an almost constant reminder of a missed opportunity and a trade off. In hindsight, I would do it again. I would do it a thousand times.
"Duty. Honor. Country."
Hopefully, other school districts around the country will follow suit. This was a special and very meaningful day. I will appreciate it until I depart this mortal coil.
Vietnam vets finally get their graduation day
Battle Ground schools takes advantage of new law
Thirty years ago, David Watson was spat on and called a baby killer for having served in Southeast Asia.
"They had no idea what we had gone through," Watson, 61, said. He still has nightmares of his yearlong tour on the war-torn grounds of Vietnam.
But on Monday night, Watson and 11 others were thanked for their sacrifices. They each received high school diplomas from Battle Ground High School, shook hands with local and state dignitaries and had their photos taken.
The state Legislature decided last year to allow Vietnam veterans to receive a high school diploma, even if they had dropped out. Previously, only World War II and Korean War veterans had been eligible for the diplomas.
"It's something I always missed out on and wanted," Watson said. The Battle Ground resident dropped out after his 10th grade year in 1967 and enlisted later that summer. "It means everything."
On hand at Maple Grove Middle School in Battle Ground were Mike Gregoire, husband of Gov. Chris Gregoire, and John Lee, director of the state's Veterans Affairs. Both are veterans of the Vietnam War.
John Lee spoke honorably of the men, but also issued a plea: If they know someone who isn't getting the help or services they need, contact him directly.
Battle Ground Public Schools may be the only school district in Washington state that has amended its policies on diplomas for veterans, putting into place a Legislative resolution from the 2008 session. Korean War and World War II veterans started receiving diplomas in 2002, when state lawmakers followed a national trend and decided that military experience counts as school credit.
Though the veterans won't have to take a state standardized exam to graduate, as current students must, this isn't simply an honorary degree.
Battle Ground schools takes advantage of new law
Monday, March 9 10:11 p.m.
BY ISOLDE RAFTERY
COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER
Ronald Kangas, who was in the Korean War, and Robert Lee Adams, who was in the Vietnam War, congratulate each other after receiving their high school diplomas at Maple Grove Middle School on Monday night.
"They had no idea what we had gone through," Watson, 61, said. He still has nightmares of his yearlong tour on the war-torn grounds of Vietnam.
But on Monday night, Watson and 11 others were thanked for their sacrifices. They each received high school diplomas from Battle Ground High School, shook hands with local and state dignitaries and had their photos taken.
The state Legislature decided last year to allow Vietnam veterans to receive a high school diploma, even if they had dropped out. Previously, only World War II and Korean War veterans had been eligible for the diplomas.
"It's something I always missed out on and wanted," Watson said. The Battle Ground resident dropped out after his 10th grade year in 1967 and enlisted later that summer. "It means everything."
On hand at Maple Grove Middle School in Battle Ground were Mike Gregoire, husband of Gov. Chris Gregoire, and John Lee, director of the state's Veterans Affairs. Both are veterans of the Vietnam War.
John Lee spoke honorably of the men, but also issued a plea: If they know someone who isn't getting the help or services they need, contact him directly.
Battle Ground Public Schools may be the only school district in Washington state that has amended its policies on diplomas for veterans, putting into place a Legislative resolution from the 2008 session. Korean War and World War II veterans started receiving diplomas in 2002, when state lawmakers followed a national trend and decided that military experience counts as school credit.
Though the veterans won't have to take a state standardized exam to graduate, as current students must, this isn't simply an honorary degree.
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