Throughout the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, thousands of young men and women left high school and the comforts of home to serve in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II many Japanese-American citizens were interned in relocation camps in various locations across the United States. Some veterans who served were not able to finish high school and receive their diplomas due to military service or Jim Crow laws in effect at the time. Veterans and Japanese-American citizens now have the opportunity to be granted diplomas as a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices they made.

Each year, Solano County Office of Education honors veterans and Japanese-Americans who were not able to receive a high school diploma due to war circumstances with retroactive diplomas through Operation Recognition. Families can apply for a diploma on behalf of their loved ones, living or deceased. The recognition ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Solano County Office of Education located at 5100 Business Center Dr. in Fairfield. 

Please provide verification of military service and discharge papers. For assistance in obtaining a copy of the necessary documentation, please contact Al Sims at the Solano County Veterans Service Office at (707) 784-6590, 675 Texas Street, Suite 4700, Fairfield, CA 94533.

The ceremony will take place at the Solano County Office of Education in-person on March 27, 2024.