WWII Veteran Gets High School Diploma Over 80 Years After Dropping Out to Help His Family: 'So Honored'

Mar. 15, 2025

Anthony Simeone.Photo:Kris Craig/The Providence Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kris Craig/The Providence Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A WWII veteran was recently honored with his high school diploma over 80 years after dropping out.

Speaking with NBC affiliateWJAR, he added, “I am so honored.”

Anthony Simeone.Kris Craig/The Providence Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Simeone told the outlet that he grew up during the Great Depression, which hadn’t been easy.

“I had to do what I had to do,” he said of being taken out of school at 16. “My family needed money.”

Two years later, Simeone was drafted when he turned 18, according to theNew York Post. During his time in the military he fought in the infamous Battle of the Bulge, and afterwards pursued a career as a machinist, a position he held until his retirement back in 1991.

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He also obtained his GED at the New England Institute of Technology, however, he didn’t receive a diploma at the time.

Cranston High School East principal Thomas Barbieri spoke highly of Simeone during the ceremony.

“Today we gather to honor Anthony Simeone, a remarkable man whose life exemplifies service, resilience, and dedication,” he said, according to theNew York Post.

source: people.com