A United States military veteran who dropped out of school in the ’70s to serve his country has finally received his high school diploma. In an emotional graduation ceremony, Army veteran Roberto Garza could be seen dressed in full graduation attire, and even shed some tears of joy after receiving his long-awaited certificate.
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Roberto’s son recalled the moment that his dad revealed his desire to return to the classroom.
“One day we were at the dinner table, and he says, ‘Hey son, I want to go back to school. How do I get my diploma?'” he explained in the video posted by Military Kind Stories. “And I said, ‘Well, let me research it.'”
As it turns out, a section of the Texas Education Code reads, “a school district may issue a high school diploma to a person who left school…to serve in war formally declared by the United States.”
So, Roberto was in luck! He could return to his high school and realize his goal of graduating with a diploma, some 47 years after he attended.
“Everybody here sees their kids, I get to see my dad. It’s awesome,” his son added.
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Alongside Garza’s son were 40 members of his family who had come to celebrate this wonderful milestone in the life of a man who has sacrificed much for his country.
“There’s no words for it. I am really excited,” his son added. “To see the man that raised me… He helped me with everything, now to see him go through this… It’s just amazing.”
“I wish my dad was here,” Garza said as he fulfilled his lifelong dream.
The newly graduated Garza says he now wants to become a Texas Peace Officer, as this is what his dad would have wanted for him.
Many people posted messages of encouragement on social media in response to the wonderful event.
“Congrats. You are never too old to do this. I was out of school 26 years and got mine and went to college and now a nurse,” one Facebook user wrote.
“My dad got his when he was 50 after serving in 3 branches of the military…Army, Navy, and the Air Force…served in Korean War. We were so proud of him. He was so proud of himself,” another added.
All the best to Roberto and his family in this new season of his life!
(H/T: Military Kind)