New Mexico WWII veteran graduates from high school 71 years later

BELEN, N.M. – A World War II veteran in New Mexico has gotten his high school diploma — 71 years after he was drafted and left school.

Officials say 90-year-old Belen resident Luis Silva earned the credits to graduate before the war, but never went to graduation or picked up his degree.

KRQE-TV reports (http://goo.gl/p9SZ4z) that Silva, who landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, dreamt of going back to school and getting his diploma but never got around to it.

After the war, Silva returned to Belen, got married, raised four children and proudly watched as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren graduated high school.

This year, Silva's daughter, Lora Marez, said Belen High School's principal was happy to make the dream come true.

Silva's great granddaughter also graduated with him Tuesday night.

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Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com