Board of Education Approves Issuance of
Honorary Diplomas
To Veterans of Korean & Vietnam Wars

The Board of Education today approved the awarding of honorary diplomas to veterans of the Korean War and the Vietnam War who were unable to complete their high school education after returning from service.

“Veterans who fought in Korea and Vietnam are true heroes,” Board of Education President Mark C. Christie said. “An honorary diploma is one small way to say ‘thank you for your service to your country’ to these Virginians.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma was established by the 2002 General Assembly to acknowledge the sacrifice and post-war achievements of these veterans.

“While not required by the legislation, the board chose to honor Vietnam veterans at this time,” Christie said. “Those who fought in Vietnam served their country just as honorably as veterans of other wars. Many have never received the recognition and gratitude they deserved for answering their country’s call.”

The Board of Education today approved guidelines for awarding the honorary diplomas to Korean War veterans and extended the issuance of honorary diplomas to Vietnam veterans, as well. Under the guidelines, a veteran may submit a statement to the board describing his or her service, the location of the last school attended, and affirming that he or she was unable to complete high school upon return to civilian life. The guidelines also allow for the submission of information by family members and veterans’ organizations.

The Korean War veteran honorary diploma program was created by Senate Bill 365, which was sponsored by state senator Harry B. Blevins of Chesapeake and signed into law by Governor Mark Warner. The bill designates the first full week of November as “Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week.” While the legislation requires that honorary diplomas be issued annually during Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week, the guidelines allow other requests to be processed on a case-by-case basis.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that as of September 30, 2001, there were approximately 81,000 Korean War-era and 227,000 Vietnam War era veterans living in Virginia. It is not known how many of Virginia’s Korean War and Vietnam War veterans would be eligible for an honorary high school diploma.

To request a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II, Korean War, or Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma, click here.

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