BECKLEY, W.Va. — A special presentation took place during the Raleigh County Board of Education’s Tuesday evening meeting.
Edward Collins was supposed to graduate with Stratton High School’s class of 1961. Three years of service with the U.S. Army in Vietnam left Collins thinking he would never see his name on a diploma. About 56 years later, his dream became reality.
Raleigh County Board of Education President Larry Ford spoke before presenting his diploma, expressing how veterans ensured freedom and helped make history throughout the world.
“When the wars ended, many of these veterans weren’t able to finish high school for various reasons, but still led productive lives and built our communities throughout their lifetime.”
The crowd of family, teachers and community members gathered in the board office’s Munson Hall stood as Ford gave Collins his diploma.
“Although this is a small, overdue gesture of our gratitude these individuals made in the name of freedom, Raleigh County Schools would like to present Mr. Edward J. Collins with his high school diploma.”
Collins was overwhelmed with joy as he spoke with MetroNews affiliate WJLS after the ceremony.
“After all that I went through, places I’ve been and people I’ve come in contact with it’s a blessing,” said Collins. “I wish a lot of people were here, especially my mother and my father, and a few other friends of mine that finished high school and got their diploma in 1961. It is 2017 and I’m obtaining it, so it’s a blessing.”
Collins also said he wants people to remember it is never too late to achieve your dreams. For him, giving up on his dreams was never an option.
“There’s an old cliché, a thousand mile journey begins with a footstep. If you have that in your heart to do it you can obtain anything and everything that you want to obtain. I never thought that I would get this, but here I am.”
After serving three years in Vietnam, Collins obtained an honorable discharge. He holds a rifle sharpshooter badge as well as a National Defense Service Medal.