LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — Lorenzo Denson knew war was hell when he landed in North Africa and saw American soldiers being taken away in body bags.

Robert Hale salutes during the Pledge of Alliance. | ZOOM |

'Grads' included Wilson W. Smith, James McGonigle, David Thomas. | ZOOM |

Henderson Caudill receives his diploma from school board president Joan Powell. | ZOOM |

Everett Cole receives a medallion from school board member Dan Warncke. | ZOOM | (Dick Swaim photos)

        The 80-year-old Columbia Township man has seen a lot in his life, including many of his buddies dying in World War II. But until Friday, the one thing he had never seen was his name on a high school diploma.

        He was one of 20 veterans awarded honorary diplomas from Lakota East High School during a 45-minute graduation ceremony before family, friends and students.

        Getting the diploma, he said, made him “one of the happiest old men in the world.”

        On Tuesday the Ohio Legislature will vote to allow school districts to grant honorary diplomas to all veterans of foreign wars. Ohio Rep. Gary Cates said he hopes to see many more ceremonies like Lakota's - believed to be the first - across Ohio once House Bill 77 becomes law. Mr. Cates said state law is unclear on schools giving honorary diplomas, but Friday's ceremony was legal.

        “I am in awe of these people here today whom we are honoring,” the West Chester Township legislator said before saluting the veterans. “Don't ever take your high school graduation for granted. These ladies and gentlemen (gave up) theirs to serve.”

        Mr. Denson saw to it that all four of his own children graduated not only from high school, but college. Like many men of his generation he left school to help support his family - and then to fight for freedom.

        Mr. Denson, who had earned an American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal, said the diploma “means a whole lot to me. At my age this is the closest I'll get to a diploma.”

        John L. Burden, of Silverton, said he always pushed his six children to get an education. It wasn't until three years ago, though, he told his oldest son, an attorney, that he had never completed high school.

        “He couldn't believe it and told all the others,” the 78-year-old vet said. “I realized I could have done a lot more and gotten a better job with a diploma.”

Veteran's pictures were projected onto screens. | ZOOM |

        As each veteran came to the dais to receive his diploma, a student from the National Honor Society told his story as his picture was projected onto a screen under a flying flag. As the chorus broke into Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the USA,” tissues came out and miniature flags given to guests and students began waving as they sang, “And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.”

        Ten-year-old Chris Norris and his parents came down from Medina to see Chris' grandfather, Ralph Grothjan, get his diploma. Mr. Grothjan left school at age 17 to work in a defense plant and then serve in Korea, earning a Combat Infantry Badge with two Bronze Stars and a United Nations Service medal.

        “It was cool. I like music and speeches,” Chris said.

        His grandpa said he was proud to work in a defense plant making the machines that made guns and then serving his country.

        “I could have gotten a deferment but I felt I had to do my duty. My three brothers served in World War II,” said Mr. Grothjan, of West Chester Township.

        Senior Vicki Herin, of West Chester Township, said ceremonies such as Lakota's were long overdue.

        “My dad was in Vietnam,” Vicki said. “The stuff my dad told me about when he came home ... this should have happened a long time ago. I'm glad it will be done all over Ohio.”
       Mike said Lakota's program would encourage respect for veterans among teenagers and those never called to war.

        "It was good to honor all the people who went to war to fight for our freedom,” Mike said.

Officer's family under strain
Arrests down since shooting
Race panel seeks mix of candidates
Police officer guards Luken
OxyContin maker curbs shipments
Reds' seats will be green
War veterans become graduates
Hospital diversions continue at high rate
Killer gets closer to execution
Grad overcame brain trauma
Graduation is end of long journey
Other Tristate commencements
HOWARD: Madeira targets sex offenders
McNUTT: Tour peeks at restored homes
Norwood opposes light rail
School boundaries redrawn
School planners regroup
Taft asks for support of quarter design
Traficant pleads not guilty
County considers tax levy for health care for poor
Kentucky Digest
Lebanon band units seek funds
Local Digest
Search continues today for man in Licking River
Suit threatened over new peaking station
Teacher union sues over charter schools
Two critically hurt in robbery, shootings
Bill appears too late to help
Bill gets bureaucracy out of alimony pacts
Congrats
Court says coalition can get school records
EPA chief praises cleanup effort
Fiscal court seat filled
GOP primary looms for 4th District seat
Henry wedding costs reviewed
Invisible fence defended