A. Any veteran of World War II may apply to the Board of Education for a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing, in compliance with Board guidelines, 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. Any veteran of the Korean War may apply to the Board of Education for a Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing, in compliance with Board guidelines, 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. Any veteran of the Vietnam War may apply to the Board of Education for a Commonwealth of Virginia Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing, in compliance with Board guidelines, a statement declaring that:

1. During the years between 1959 and 1975, 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.

D. The Board of Education shall establish guidelines setting forth the timelines and procedures for applying for such diplomas. Upon the filing of the required statement in accordance with its guidelines, the Board of Education shall award the veteran either a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II Veteran Honorary High School Diploma, or a Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma, or a Commonwealth of Virginia Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma. Such diplomas shall be delivered to eligible veterans during the first full week in September that has been designated, in accordance with § 2.2-3309.1, as the Virginia World War II Veterans Appreciation Week, or during the first full week in November that has been designated, in accordance with § 2.2-3309.1, as the Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week, or during the first full week in November that has been designated, in accordance with § 2.2-3310, as Vietnam War Memorial Dedication Week and Veterans' Recognition Week in the Commonwealth.

2001, c. 263; 2002, c. 162; 2009, c. 66.