Filiberto Lopez Montano missed his high school graduation 76 years ago so he could serve his country during World War II.
The Valencia High student was serving in the U.S. Navy, deployed in the South Pacific, while classmates received their diplomas and celebrated their accomplishment.
Although Montano has lived a very meaningful and accomplished life as a World War II veteran, family man, community leader and so much more, he had been missing one accolade.
On Friday, it was finally Montano’s turn to celebrate. The 94-year-old veteran was the guest of honor at a Valencia High School graduation ceremony. And after more than seven decades, the school finally awarded Montano a high school diploma.
“Taking this final step and receiving a diploma reaffirms my love for knowledge,” he said.
Read more about the ceremony, Montano’s service and his life after WWII in this Orange County Register article. ABC 7 also has a news segment.