Legislators support bill for Vietnam vets to get diplomas

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David Labriola
David Labriola

HARTFORD — The state House of Representatives on Monday voted unanimously to allow school boards to award diplomas to Vietnam War era veterans who were unable to complete high school due to military service.

“The men and women who put their civilian lives on hold and donned a uniform to protect our country deserve our thanks and respect and this legislation honors their commitment and sacrifice,” said state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) in a press release. “I’m sure our school boards will see fit to grant diplomas to all qualified veterans.”

Rosa Rebimbas
Rosa Rebimbas

S.B. 386, An Act Concerning Honorary Diplomas for Vietnam Veterans, allows local and regional school boards to award high school diplomas to Vietnam era veterans who left high school before graduating for military service. Current state law already allows boards to do this for World War II and Korean War veterans but this bill covers honorably or generally discharged veterans who served actively from Feb. 28, 1961 to July 1, 1975 in the U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force or any of their reserve components, including the Connecticut National Guard, according to the press release.

“We must honor the sacrifices that Vietnam era veterans made on our behalf, and allowing them to receive their high school diploma is the right thing to do,” said state Rep. David Labriola (R-131) in a press release.

The unanimous vote in the House followed a unanimous vote in the Senate.