Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, May 5, 2014
(LAFAYETTE) - After more than 70 years of waiting, a local World War II veteran received something he never thought he would. A high school diploma.
On Saturday afternoon, friends and family of 91-year old Russell Snyder gathered to see the Lafayette man receive his certificate of graduation.
"It's great and I appreciate it very much, " said Snyder.
His son, Mark Snyder, said it's something he knows his father has always wanted.
"It was just always a disappointment because he intended to, it just didn't work out, and so I thought this would be a nice way to honor him and his service," said Mark Snyder.
Snyder left high school to help take care of his family during the Great Depression, but was drafted into the United States Air Force after being just a few credits shy of earning his high school diploma. Indiana State Senator Ron Alting said he was honored to present Snyder with his certificate of graduation.
"He left and went to serve his county, and came back and had a family of his own. So he's made several sacrifices. One for the family and one for his county," said Alting
Snyder's sons worked with Alting and the Indiana Department of Education to see that his father could finally receive his certificate of graduation. His son, Monte Snyder, said it took about a year to get the certificate.
"It was a lot of just waiting and letting everything get approved, and that he would have the opportunity to accomplish something that he had always regretted not being able to do," said Monte Snyder.
For Russell Snyder, it was worth the wait.
"I've always wanted one and I've finally got it," said Snyder.
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