World War II vet, 99, graduates high school alongside his great-granddaughter

A World War II veteran who was drafted before finishing high school walked in a long-deserved graduation ceremony on Saturday – with his great-granddaughter following him.

West Virginia resident Charles Bird, 99, received his Clay County High School diploma through the Operation Recognition Program (ORP). The program, run by the West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Veterans’ Council, gives the opportunity for soldiers who served honorably during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War to receive their high school diplomas.

Pictures show Bird beaming in a cap and gown at the ceremony while his great-granddaughter, Ashdon Salisbury, was wearing the same regalia.