With June just around the corner, seniors in high school are set to take the stage and graduate, moving onto the next phase in life. Some will go to college, some will go to work, and others will take their time and figure out what they really want to do in life. After all, this is the time to do it!
But one senior at Snowflake High School in Arizona stands out above the rest. That’s because he is, quite literally, a senior!
We offer our sincere congratulations to Charles Hall, a 95-year-old WWII veteran who has had to wait almost 80 years before getting his diploma!
While he was in school, per his family, Charles was an accomplished student. He was Junior Class President, lettered in three different sports, and was a successful boxer.
However, he heard the call of duty and enlisted in the Marine Corps in July of 1943 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He technically qualified for deferment, but he knew that this was the right path from him.
He was part of and survived the initial invasion on Okinawa, the last major battle of WWII.
Charles earned many awards as a Marine: the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Marine Corps Reserve Service Ribbon.
When he returned home, he set off to work to support his family. Time marched on, and he never went back to school. He went on to have a large family: he now has 13 children, 52 grandchildren, 155 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren!
Now, the 95-year-old’s family told ABC15 that his biggest regret was not going back to school. And though he cannot turn back time, he will finally fulfill his dream of graduating!
This veteran served this country loyally and defended his brethren in battle. He deserves this dream and more! Please share to congratulate Charles on his accomplishment.