LISBON – Richard Rivard is a member of the Class of 2004. So, now, is his grandfather, Larry.

The 84-year-old proudly wore his mortarboard and gown Sunday as he received a diploma from Lewiston High School. It places him among the ranks of the class of 2004. Richard Rivard graduated from Lisbon High School in May.

“When there’s a reunion, can I go?” Larry Rivard asked in jest.

“Now Dad can hang his tassel on his rear-view mirror,” said his son, Don Rivard.

Although Larry Rivard’s dream of high school graduation had been dashed by a struggle with English more than six decades ago, a proclamation issued by then-Gov. Angus King a few years ago allowed Lewiston High School to issue a diploma to Rivard 66 years after he left the school. King’s action permitted local school boards to grant diplomas to former students who completed 12 years of school and were drafted during World War II.

Born in Lewiston in 1920, Larry Rivard was raised in a home where only French was spoken. He attended a French language boarding school at a convent in Jackman between the ages of 6 and 13. He then completed four years at Lewiston High School.

“I went four years. Mr. Butler was principal. He said, `You’ve got to make one more year. You’ve got to have sophomore, junior and senior English,'” Rivard said.

American Legion 2nd District Commander Jack Naragon and Jack LaChance presented the diploma at Coombs-Mountfort Post 158.

Rivard’s family approached Lisbon High School Principal Kenneth Healey, who coordinated efforts with Lewiston High School. It was done unbeknownst to the veteran.

“He has no clue whatsoever,” said Post Adjutant Mona Naragon shortly before Larry and Don Rivard arrived at the post.

“He thinks it’s just a dinner. He has no idea this is going on,” said daughter-in-law Jane Rivard. Her husband, Don, had taken his father out to lunch and told him the post was holding a dinner.

He was drafted at 22. After serving at bases in Virginia, California and England, he landed on Utah Beach after the D-Day invasion. During the following year, Rivard drove Army trucks more than 125,000 miles, crisscrossing France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Czechoslovakia.

The decorated veteran related stories about being strafed with gunfire from German aircraft four times, turning a corner in a truck and driving into an engagement between three American and seven German tanks. He also talked about a German Luftwaffe pilot landing on a road and attempting to surrender to him, as well as crossing the Atlantic in a convoy that the Germans attacked, sinking two ships.

Rivard also recounted transporting 89 German prisoners and two U.S. MPs in a tractor-trailer with a letter of authorization from Gen. George Patton, crossing the Rhine River in a truck on pontoons, and knowing a U.S. Army cook who was a German emigrant. That man’s five sons served in Germany’s S.S.

Rivard also delivered food to hungry civilians. “I have a letter written by a family in France he used to bring food to,” said Don Rivard.

Rivard married Cecile Rioux after he returned from the war. After many years in Lisbon, they now live in Lewiston. He worked for several textile mills in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Each job ending with a plant closure. After retiring for six months, he has worked for a farm in Lisbon for the last 18 years. “He carries 50-pound sacks of potatoes like they’re paper bags,” said Mona Naragon.

He has encouraged his children and grandchildren to complete high school and go to college. He assisted his family members obtaining scholarships through the American Legion. Several family members have attended college, including granddaughter Christina Rivard, a 2001 Edward Little High School graduate who is a senior at Bates College.