There was a time when young men had to leave school behind and answer to the call of duty, sacrificing their education to fight for the greater good as a member of the military.

For the first time, 12 veterans, including those who served in World War II, in Korean War in, got to receive that high school diploma that they sacrificed years ago.

Lt. Gen. Willis Chappell, a National Antlered Guard Department Veterans Affairs Officer at Pride of Alabama Lodge No. 1170, said he discovered a program allowing veterans who had their educations interrupted due to service in the military, to receive their diploma from school districts.

“I’m a chapter services officer and I do claims for veterans, and going out talking to these veterans during the claims process, I found that there was a lot of these veterans that didn’t have [a high school diploma],” Chappell said. “Checking with the Veterans Affairs department, I found that the V.A. has a procedure that they can award diplomas to these veterans that went in and joined the military because of that need, and their education was interrupted because they had to go to the service.”

After Chappell advertised the possibility of receiving diplomas to veterans in the area, 12 total became the first to participate, as they received their high school diplomas from Selma High School during the school’s graduation ceremony on May 24 at Memorial Stadium.

“This is the first year that we will have diplomas issued to those veterans, and this year we have 12,” Chappell said. “I’m very, very delighted to have those veterans receiving their diplomas. It means a lot to some of the families.”

Aubrey Smith, who served in the Navy during World War II, said the opportunity was a surprise, but he’s grateful to have diploma in hand.

“It’s kind of surprise that it’s being done, but it’s good that it’s honoring some of the World War II veterans,” Smith said.

Wilmer L. Walker, who served in the Army during the Korean War, was also surprised, but it’s something he hopes inspires his grandchildren as they pursue their education.

“I’m surprised … because I never had one,” Walker said. “I hope it inspires them (grandchildren). I hope so.”

Lois Britton was at the ceremony with her husband John Milton Britton, who served in World War II in the Naval Air Force, and said she’s proud to see such a thing happen.

“I think it’s great. I never heard of it before until Mr. Chappell came out and told us about it,” Lois said. “I just think it’s wonderful because back then you worked and when you got old enough you went to the service. Then when you came back, you got a job and you didn’t have a chance to go to school. I’m real proud for him.”

Other veterans who received diplomas were Dan Jones, John T. Jowers, James Marcus Moore (deceased), Napoleon Neely, James Richardson Jr., Bruce L. Sewell, William M. Sewell, Ronald Shelton and Sherroll Lee Thomas.