To the editor:

I recently saw an “On the Road With Steve Hartman” (no relative) video telling the story of a WWII US Marine veteran that quit high school as a teen to “answer the call”. At 98 years old, his one wish was to receive his high school diploma. The local American Legion Post and his friends contacted his high school in Pennsylvania. Schools there are allowed to issue “Honorary Diplomas” for situations like this and just two days before passing away, this Marine, this patriot, this hero, received his diploma.

Knowing that I have been active helping organize reunions for my graduating class, I was contacted by a former Fort Dodge Senior High student that should have graduated with the Class of 1963. With the Vietnam War going and having heard President John Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you…” inaugural speech, he left school in 1961 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served honorably through 1965.

Now at 80 years old, he would like to receive an “Honorary Diploma”. The Fort Dodge Community School District, however, told our local American Legion “”No “honorary diplomas” are issued by FDSH.””

Whether this is a policy of FDSH, the Fort Dodge School District or Iowa state law – I don’t know. I do believe though, that it would be proper and honorable to honor a patriot who dropped everything to answer the call to serve their country, you and me, in the United States Armed Forces.

What would this hurt?

Sam Hartman

Fort Dodge