WASHINGTON – Working in coordination with area school districts, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) will pay tribute to local World War II and Korean War veterans who entered the war without receiving a high school diploma during graduation ceremonies in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas in May.

“Making the decision to leave school and head into the midst of a brutal war was truly a significant sacrifice motivated by deep values,” Stupak said. “Even upon their return, these brave men and woman entered the workforce to support their families to help grow the economy still lagging from the war. These veterans have earned their diplomas because putting God, country and family above self was their first priority.”

Stupak will honor Upper Peninsula veterans of WWII and the Korean War who live in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties during a ceremony in the area on Saturday, May 6, 2006. He will hold another ceremony for Lower Peninsula veterans from Alpena, Antrim, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties at a local ceremony on Saturday, May 13^th.

Eligible veterans must currently live in one of the 11 counties mentioned above. They must have served in WWII or the Korean War in the U.S. Military or an Allied military force and have been honorably discharged. Veterans should be prepared to present some proof of service, such as their discharge papers. They also need to provide their names, date of service, highest rank achieved, hometown before the war, school district they currently live in and their current address and phone number. This information should be sent in to Congressman Stupak’s Escanaba office at 902 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 by March 27, 2006.

To participate, interested veterans should contact Stupak’s Escanaba office at (906)-786-4504 or toll-free: 1-800-950-REP1 (7371). Congressman Stupak will provide the veteran’s graduation times and locations for May 6 and May 13 ceremonies.

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