Nation & World News
89-year-old WWII veteran receives high school diploma 7 decades after dropping out
An 89-year-old World War II veteran is making headlines after receiving his high school diploma more than seven decades after he dropped out to join the Navy.
According to WZZM, Erwin Empie left Cedar Springs High School in Kent County, Michigan, when he was a sophomore to serve in World War II. From 1944 to 1946, he was a 2nd Class Seaman in the Navy.
Empie "always felt incomplete and unfinished" without his diploma, he told WZZM. So seven months ago, he decided to change that.
"My family saw an article about veterans being able to get their GEDs, so my three kids decided to make it happen for me," he said.
Thanks to Public Act 181, aka Operation Recognition, Empie had his chance. The law says veterans who joined the military to serve in World War II, Korea or Vietnam before finishing high school are eligible to receive a high school diploma.
Empie walked across the stage June 2 to receive his diploma along with the rest of Cedar Springs' Class of 2016.
"I just looked out in the audience, then raised my fist," he told WZZM. "I almost lost my emotions then."
He added, "I just thank the Lord that I was able to do it."
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