Waugh Introduces Legislation to Extend Honorary Diploma Program to Vietnam Veterans

HARRISBURG – Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) has again introduced legislation, Senate Bill 674, amending The Public School Code to allow school districts to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged Vietnam veterans who were unable to graduate from high school because they entered military service.  

Act 73 of 2001 established "Operation Recognition," providing school districts the authority to grant high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans of World War II.  Act 187 of 2002 extended the program to Korean Conflict veterans, but Vietnam veterans have not yet been included in the program. 

"A constituent of mine who is a veteran of the Vietnam War brought this issue to my attention," said Waugh. "And I felt there was no reason why we shouldn’t extend the same opportunity to Vietnam veterans that is afforded to other veterans.  To some, it’s a form of recognition for their sacrifice, to others it’s a necessity to gain employment in the working world." 

To be eligible for the program, the honorably discharged veteran must have served in the Vietnam War between the dates of November 15, 1961 and March 28, 1973.  Also, they must have attended high school between 1958 and 1973 and have been a member of a graduation class between the years 1962 and 1975.  

During the 2007-2008 legislative session, Waugh tried unsuccessfully to pass identical legislation, but he is confident it will fare better this time around. 

"With 23 co-sponsors, there is already strong bi-partisan support in the Senate for this legislation," said Waugh.  "And seeing as our Vietnam veterans have been waiting, on average, forty years for their diploma, it is my hope that the legislature will act promptly to ensure they have the opportunity to finally get it."