Operation Recognition High School Diplomas  - The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) and the Department of Education (DOE) jointly launched in October 2000 a program to honor World War II era veterans who left high school to join the military and never received their diploma. 

More than 500 of New Jersey's 100,000 living WWII veterans have already applied for their diplomas as part of the program known as Operation Recognition.

“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 then 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, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Prom night – Ninety-nine World War II veterans from Bergen, Hudson and Essex counties that will be receiving their high school diploma as part of the Operation Recognition graduation ceremony Friday are also being given a full prom at no cost to them.  The 1940s theme prom night will be held Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Secaucus High School Gymnasium. 
Secaucus Radisson Suite Hotel  is donating a sit down dinner.  Memory Makers, an all veterans swing band from Richfield, will be playing oldies music.  Rod Bolton of Sport Shots Unlimited is donating photography services for the prom and the graduation ceremony.  Floral Expressions, Pappas Associates, Seacaucus Kiwanis, Chartwells, Spiekemann’s Bakery, Hilton Hotels, Front Street Jeweler, and many volunteers have also donated time, money and services.

High School Graduation Ceremony - will be held on Friday, May 18, 2001 
at 7:00 PM in the Secaucus High School Gymnasium. The graduation ceremony for 99 World War II veterans from Bergen, Hudson and Essex counties will include a full military honor guard and music by both the Secaucus High School Band and Choral.  Distinguished guests participating in the ceremony include:

Assemblyman Anthony Impreveduto
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner COL Michael L. Warner
Office of School-to-Career and College Initiatives Director Dr. Thomas A. Henry
National World War II Memorial Executive Director James W. Aylward
Secaucus Board of Education President Paul Amico
Secaucus Superintendent of Schools Constantino Scerbo
Secaucus High School Principal Mr. Patrick Impreveduto 

Location - Secaucus High School, Paul Amico Education & Athletic Complex, 11 Millridge Road, Secaucus.

Qualifications for the Operation Recognition High School Diplomas -  Any resident New Jersey veteran who left high school to enter military service between the dates of September 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946; June 23, 1950 and Jan 31, 1955; or Dec 31, 1960 through May 7, 1975 is qualified to receive a state-endorsed high school diploma. This includes veterans of all the branches of service including Merchant Marine and Coast Guard as well as those who have earned a General Educational Development Diploma (GED). Diplomas may also be issued posthumously; surviving family members of eligible veterans are encouraged to apply. Because of the overwhelming success of this program, the Adjutant General and the Commissioner of Education expanded the program to include veterans from the Korean and Viet Nam wars.

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, call Cheryl Henderson at (609) 530-7034.

The 99 World War II Veterans Receiving High School Diplomas