In a heartfelt ceremony held last Thursday at the Melvin Roads American Legion in East Greenbush, New York, Dominic Bersani, a veteran of both World War II and the Cold War, received a high school diploma at the age of 99. This significant achievement coincided with his birthday celebration, where he was surrounded by friends and fellow veterans.
Bersani, born in 1926, attended school in Maine but left before graduation to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a Fireman First Class, deployed to Adak Island in the Aleutian Islands. There, he joined the Seabees and played a crucial role in rebuilding the island, preparing it for military operations aimed at driving Japanese forces from Attu and Kiska Island, thereby ending their occupation of the Aleutians and North America.
Recognition Through Operation Recognition
During the Cold War, Bersani continued to serve as a Ship Serviceman Class 3, stationed in Florida from 1949 to 1954. He was responsible for preparing Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) for shipment to the Korean War, supporting U.S. forces in their amphibious assaults against North Korean troops.
The diploma awarded to Bersani was part of Operation Recognition, a state Veterans’ Services program designed for veterans who left high school without graduating. To be eligible, veterans must be residents of New York State, have engaged in active duty for at least one day, and have been honorably discharged. The program aims to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these individuals during their service.
During the ceremony, Dr. Kurtis Kotes, Superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District, and Michael Harkin, Principal of Columbia High School, presented Bersani with his diploma. Dr. Kotes expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is humbling to be part of the process to award a high school diploma to Mr. Bersani. He truly is part of the ‘Greatest Generation’ of our country. The East Greenbush Central School District is exceptionally grateful to Mr. Bersani for his service to our country. We are honored to celebrate this milestone with him, and it is a fitting tribute that this occurs during the fanfare of his 99th birthday!”
A Celebration of Achievement
The East Greenbush Central School District shared the news of this momentous occasion on their website, congratulating Bersani with the message, “Congratulations to Dominic Bersani ’25!” The recognition not only honors Bersani’s past but also highlights the importance of acknowledging the educational accomplishments of veterans who sacrificed their formal education for military service.
As Bersani celebrated this milestone, he was surrounded by those who appreciate his contributions to the nation, reflecting a grateful community’s recognition of his extraordinary life and service. His journey from a young student to a decorated veteran exemplifies the resilience and dedication of those who have served in the U.S. military.
