By Margaret Lavin

San Mateo County Times

Through Operation Recognition, the San Mateo County Office of Education will award diplomas to San Mateo County veterans whose high school education was interrupted because of wartime circumstances. Five San Mateo County residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in World War II and the Korean War will be recognized at a ceremony held at 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at the San Mateo County Office of Education, 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City.

"It's a great honor to be able to award these veterans their high school diplomas," said Anne Campbell, San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools. "Their many sacrifices, including the interruption of their K-12 education, deserve ongoing gratitude and recognition. Operation Recognition aims to do just that."

Warren Slocum, San Mateo County 4th District Supervisor, and fellow veteran, will deliver the main address. "As we celebrate Veterans Day, it is fitting that we honor our local veterans who were unable to finish their schooling due to the wartime events of World War II and the Korean War," he said. "These men have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country, honored us with their service, and been productive members of the community upon their return home. I'm privileged to be able to present these most deserving veterans with high school diplomas that they have more than earned, but not received until today. I also want to congratulate and thank Anne Campbell, Superintendent of Schools in San Mateo County and her staff, for paying tribute to our veterans and their families.