HARTFORD—More men and women who left high school for service in the armed forces prior to their graduation could soon be eligible for diplomas.
State Rep. Themis Klarides tonight voted for House Bill 6687, An Act Concerning Various Revisions to the Education Statutes—a bill that would permit local or regional boards of educations to award diplomas to veterans of the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Era who didn’t get them as a consequence of their military service.
At present, World War II veterans were the only returning veterans eligible.
Fearing the legislation would get lost among bills on fiscal-themed items, it was Klarides who worked diligently to keep the proposal alive and push it toward a vote.
“Considering the sacrifices these people made, this is the least we could do,” Klarides said. “I hope school boards seek out opportunities give our heroes what they deserve.”
The bill, which passed the House by a 147-0 vote, goes to the senate for consideration.
