Vets graduate, 59 years later
5-31
By Anthony Gadson
Pilot News
PLYMOUTH � Plymouth High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2003 last night, but the outgoing seniors weren�t the only ones to receive diplomas this year.
Two members of the Class of 1944 also received their long awaited diplomas as well.
Clayton Bowman and John Speheger, former classmates, received their diplomas from Plymouth High School this month, 59 years after the rest of their graduation class.
Bowman and Speheger were both pulled out of high school and shipped to the South Pacific to fight in World War II before they were able to graduate.
�(Being enlisted) didn�t bother me that much,� Bowman said about his experience. �I was old enough to know what was going on. I served for about three years, and when I got back I tried to get my diploma. They didn�t give it to me then.�
On July 1, 2002, a new law opened the door for WWII vets, stating that any veteran that was pulled from school, with good standing, and was then honorably discharged, would then be awarded his or her diploma.
The way that the two men received their diplomas were quite different. Speheger received his diploma in a formal presentation, while Bowman was caught completely off guard.
�My daughter got (the diploma) for me, and they had a surprise party for me,� Bowman said about the reception of his diploma. �I walked in and didn�t know what was going on.�
Speheger�s reception of his diploma was more formal, with Plymouth Vice Principal Don Gandy presenting it to him.
�Initially his granddaughter (Sarah) picked up the diploma from (Plymouth principal Richard) Tobias,� John Speheger�s son Bard explained. �But then a ceremony was held.�
John will not be the only Speheger receiving his diploma this year, his grandson Aaron will also be graduated from Plymouth during the ceremonies last night.
�It is kind of ironic,� Bard said about the situation of his father and son both receiving diplomas. �It�s also ironic that the graduation will be held on the traditional Memorial Day.�
Even though the two men probably won�t be using their high school diplomas to get into any universities, the symbol of the sheet of paper is the most important thing.
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