95-year-old World War II veteran awarded high school diploma

Peter Decareau was given his diploma decades after leaving to fight in World War II.

Credit: Boston25News.com

Credit: Boston25News.com

Peter Decareau was given his diploma decades after leaving to fight in World War II.

A World War II veteran got a long overdue honor as the 95-year-old was awarded his high school diploma.

Navy veteran Peter Decareau was handed his diploma at a ceremony in Saugus, Massachusetts, Thursday in a room full of people.

The crowd cheered as volunteers put his graduation cap on, with Decareau left speechless after the honor.

"95 years young," Decareau said. "Oh my, thank you, thank you, thank you."

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Decareau went to war in 1942 when he was just 17 years old, and served on four different ships.

He was stationed in Japan when the peace treaty was signed.