Throughout this graduation season, I found myself reflecting on what receiving a high school diploma means – especially to our veterans.

My brother, like many others, entered the military before his high school graduation. At 17, Gus joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served our country in Vietnam. He finished his secondary education in the military, earning a GED.

Service members sacrifice so much that we sometimes take for granted in our own lives. For my brother, that included receiving his diploma along with his classmates.

Last year, I proudly supported legislation to help veterans such as my brother receive the diplomas they have earned. Under the measure, veterans or their family members can submit their discharge paperwork to the high school where they would have graduated or where they live now in order to receive an honorary diploma.

Diplomas can also be awarded posthumously to honor those who served but who are no longer with us.

I went through the process and received my brother’s high school diploma from Mountain Valley High School.

His reaction when I gave him the diploma last Christmas, more than 40 years after he left high school, was overwhelming. Knowing what it meant to him, I want all our veterans and their loved ones to be aware of this opportunity.

During my time in the Legislature, nothing has been more important to me than taking care of our veterans. It is never too late to honor them for their service and sacrifices.

Rep. Sheryl Briggs, Mexico

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