A. In recognition of the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in World War II, the first full week in September, i.e., the week that was the first full official week of peace in 1945, shall hereby be designated the Virginia World War II Veterans Appreciation Week, beginning in September 2001.

In accordance with the Board of Education's guidelines as authorized by § 22.1-17.4, any veteran of World War II may apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing with the Virginia Board of Education a statement declaring that:

1. During the years between 1939 and 1945, he served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and was subsequently honorably discharged;

2. He was drafted or did enlist in the United States Armed Forces while still enrolled as a secondary school student in any school in any state or territory of the United States or any school located on or associated with a United States military base or embassy; and

3. He was unable to resume his secondary education upon returning to civilian life.

B. In recognition of the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Korean War, the first full week in November shall hereby be designated the Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week, beginning in November 2002.

In accordance with the Board of Education's guidelines as authorized by § 22.1-17.4, any veteran of the Korean War may apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing with the Virginia Board of Education a statement declaring that:

1. During the years between 1950 and 1953, he served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and was subsequently honorably discharged;

2. He enlisted in or was drafted into the United States Armed Forces while still enrolled as a secondary school student in any school in any state or territory of the United States or any school located on or associated with a United States military base or embassy; and

3. He was unable to resume his secondary education upon returning to civilian life.

C. Upon receiving a statement in compliance with this section and § 22.1-17.4 that has been filed in accordance with its guidelines, the Board of Education shall award the veteran described in subsections A or B, a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II Veteran Honorary High School Diploma or a Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma, as appropriate. Such diploma shall also be delivered during Virginia World War II Veterans Appreciation Week or Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week, as appropriate.

2001, c. 263, § 2.1-27.2:01; 2002, c. 162; 2009, c. 66.