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91-Year-Old WWII Veteran Receives High School Diploma With Grandson

DERRY, Pa. (AP) -- A 91-year-old World War II veteran has finally received his high school diploma, eight decades after leaving school to support his family.

Pete Sabedra walked across the stage at Derry Area Middle School on Wednesday to accept his degree at a special awards ceremony.

Alongside Sabedra was his grandson, Kace, who will graduate from the district's high school on May 31.

The Tribune Review reports Pete Sabedra was attending eighth grade at the former Derry Township High School in 1940 when his father died and he had to leave school to start work. He worked for the railroad until enlisting in the military when the U.S. entered the war.

Sabedra earned his GED and says "it's something" to finally have the diploma.

His grandson says "it means a lot, considering we're graduating at the same time almost."

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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