Overview
WHAT:
Operation Recognition is a program that honors U.S. veterans and Japanese American citizens who were unable to continue high school due to World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. The program was adopted unanimously by the Sacramento County Board of Education on October 16, 2001.
WHO:
Those eligible to receive Operation Recognition diplomas include:
- Individuals who served in WWII, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Specifics apply (see below).
- Japanese American citizens who left high school for purposes of internment in WW II relocation camps.
- Recipients or surviving family members should be residents of Sacramento County. NOTE: Families may apply for Operation Recognition diplomas on behalf of eligible persons who are deceased.
SPECIFICS:
- Military service must have been during the period of December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946 (WW II), the period of June 25, 1950-January 31, 1955 (Korean War), or the period of February 28, 1961-May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
- Japanese American citizens must show proof of having been interned in a relocation camp during the period of Dec. 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946
- All recipients must have been enrolled in high school prior to enlistment in military service or internment in a WW II relocation camp
HOW:
Complete the Operation Recognition application and submit it along with the required documentation of military service or internment. Obtain an Operation Recognition diploma application online or by calling the Sacramento County Office of Education at (916) 228-2416. Forms are also available from the Sacramento County Office of Education at 10474 Mather Boulevard (within the former Mather Air Force Base off Highway 50). Map and driving directions. There is no charge to participate in Operation Recognition.
WHEN:
Applications for diplomas through the Operation Recognition program are accepted year-round by the Sacramento County Office of Education. Diplomas are presented each spring at an awards ceremony attended by family and friends of the honorees. Applicants will be notified regarding date, time and location.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
California law (Education Code § 51440) authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible veterans. Effective January 1, 2004, California Assembly Bill 781 was enacted as law (Education Code § 51430), specifically authorizing the retroactive granting of diplomas to persons whose internment by federal order in World War II prevented them from graduating from their home town high school.
Modeled after similar programs implemented in other states, the Sacramento County Office of Education Operation Recognition program has been cited by the California School Public Relations Association as a "California Gold" award finalist. Several other California counties operate the program as well.
The Sacramento County Board of Education has provided diplomas to 128 qualifying veterans and Japanese American citizens through Operation Recognition since the start of its program in 2001. Four of the diplomas have been awarded posthumously.