On November 11, Veterans Day, La Salle Academy in Providence, RI awarded diplomas to several men who never graduated because they joined the military during World War II.
The school hosted a Mass and diploma ceremony to honor nine men. Three veterans attended the ceremony to receive their degrees: Charles E. Ferguson ‘42, John P. Donahue, Jr. ’45, and Paul J. Michael ‘45. Families of the six other men who have died accepted the diplomas on their behalf: Thomas C. Collins 42′, George E. Rigney ‘42, Edward R. Martin ‘43, Arthur H. Bellemore ‘44, Francis M. Hames ’44, and Edward J. Dunphy ‘45.
The La Salle Veterans Day Committee continues its search for former students who left the school in good standing to serve in the military. Eleven other men have been added to the list and the Committee is trying to find them or their families.
In addition to those being honored with diplomas, this year the school invited all La Salle graduates who served or are currently serving in the military to attend and will continue to include them in future Veterans Day observances.