World War II veteran receives high school diploma decades after being drafted to serve country

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – At 98 years old, a World War II veteran from Rhode Island just received his high school diploma.

Anthony Simeone now says he finally feels like a part of him is complete.

The ceremony was pomp and circumstance in Cranston on Thursday.

“Today, we gather to honor Anthony Simeone, a remarkable man whose life exemplifies service, resilience and dedication,” Cranston High School East Principal Thomas Barbieri said.

Cranston East High School presented Simeone, the 98-year-old World War II veteran, with an honorary diploma.

Growing up, the Cranston native never got the chance to finish high school.

“I was actually taken out of school when I was 16,” Simeone said. “My family needed money, so I had to go in. I grew up during the Great Depression.”

Just a few years later in 1944, Simeone was drafted into the military in the midst of World War II.

“I didn’t mind the military,” Simeone described. “The combat part of it is something else.”

After serving for the United States in both France and Germany, notably fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, Simeone returned home.

The vet worked to obtain his GED, but still felt a part of him was missing. That was until Thursday.

“It feels just great because I was like an outcast,” Simeone said. “Everybody around me had a diploma.”

Surrounded by family and friends, Simeone finally had a chance to celebrate.

“I want to say I’m very proud of my family and I’m very proud for my military service I was in and I wish I could have stayed in longer,” Simeone added.

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