In a ceremony on October 5, 2000, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) and the Department of Education will be jointly launching a program to honor World War II era veterans who left school to join the military and never received a high school diploma. The ceremony will be held in the Board Room at the War Memorial, West Lafayette Street at Barracks Street in Trenton on October 5, 2000 at 10:00 a.m.

Known as Operation Recognition, the program will award a state-endorsed high school diploma to any New Jersey veteran who left a New Jersey high school to enter military service between the dates of September 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946. Veterans of all the branches of service including Merchant Marine and Coast Guard are eligible. Those who have earned a General Educational Development Diploma (GED) are also eligible. Diplomas may also be issued posthumously, surviving family members of eligible veterans are encouraged to apply.

"This is a small recognition we can give in appreciation to those who sacrificed their education to ensure our freedoms," said Michael Warner, deputy commissioner for veteran affairs, DMAVA.

"I am pleased to support this most worthy program," said Commissioner of Education David Hespe. "Through their patriotism and sacrifice, the men and women who served our nation during World War II have justly earned the distinction as ‘the greatest generation.’

"I am asking local school leaders throughout the state to realize the opportunities this program will present to enhance their social studies and history curriculums," Hespe continued. "Specifically, I will ask school districts to consider awarding these diplomas as part of subsequent Veterans Day or Memorial Day observances, or at regular commencement exercises. The Department can provide assistance and information on how schools in other states have turned these occasions into memorable and moving celebrations."

Programs similar to Operation Recognition have been established in other states including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

To apply for Operation Recognition diplomas, send a copy of your DD-214 or discharge papers, the name and address of the high school you attended, the year you would have graduated, your name, address and daytime phone number to Operation Recognition, New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, Eggert Crossing Road Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340. For more information about Operation Recognition call Patty Ann Richter at (609) 530-6868.

Requests that are received by October 13, 2000 will be invited to the first statewide Operation Recognition diploma ceremony to be held during the week of Veterans Day.