Iowa World War II Veteran Receives High School Diploma 75 Years Later

A little lighthearted story to brighten your day!

Roy Garcia is a ninety-six year old Iowa native and World War II veteran that recently had the surprise of a lifetime. According to the Des Moines Register, 75 years ago, Roy never received his high school diploma. You see, Roy left school early and joined the U.S. Army after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was 18 years old at the time but due to a set back in schooling, left before his junior year at Valley High. Roy served in the Philippines with the 756th Field Artillery.

While away, Roy missed out on many things like most enlisted do... including walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma. A few of his fellow classmates found out he never received his high school diploma at a reunion 10 years ago and decided to do something about it. On Monday, September 9th, headed to a Pizza Ranch for a class reunion. There were 65 people in the class of 1944 and only 6 remain with 3 making it to the reunion but that's really all they needed because this reunion was not about swapping memories but presenting Roy with his high school diploma!

Roy never thought he would see the diploma and now he has finally been reunited with his diploma 75 years later.