Saline World War II vet awarded high school diploma 68 years late
Theodore Westphal is now a high school graduate at the age of 86.
The longtime Saline resident received his high school diploma from Saline Area Schools at the regular Board of Education meeting Tuesday.
Superintendent Scot Graden and school board President Lisa Slawson honored the World War II veteran with his high school diploma in a special recognition ceremony following the Pledge of Allegiance.
Local World War II veteran Theodore Westphal, 86, stands with his wife of 62 years, Shirley, to receive his Saline High School diploma from current Superintendent Scot Graden, right. Westphal left school to join the Navy just three months before graduating in 1944.
AnnArbor.com I Danielle Arndt
His friend, however, couldn’t pass the admittance test because of a hearing problem, Westphal told AnnArbor.com prior to the meeting. He said he was disappointed but, committed to serving their country, the two Saline boys tried again, this time signing up for the U.S. Navy.
Westphal was stationed aboard the USS South Dakota in the Pacific Ocean. The battleship was the lead ship of her class, the former seaman said.
The South Dakota is credited with participating in 13 military campaigns during the six-year war. Westphal said he was a part of the last nine of those 13 battles.
He added at the end of the war, Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur actually was supposed to sign the peace treaty, marking Japan’s surrender to the Allies, aboard the USS South Dakota. But because U.S. President Harry S. Truman was from Missouri, the treaty was moved to be signed aboard the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945.
When asked why he felt compelled to leave school to serve his country, Westphal was overcome with emotion and his tears prevented him from speaking. His wife, Shirley, said: "Those were some of the proudest moments of his life."
Receiving his high school diploma, although 68 years late, meant “the world” to both Shirley and Theodore. Shirley, 84, was a teacher at Saline schools for 31 years. She said the couple recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
"We are so proud and honored to have you here tonight ... to award you with your diploma ... and to thank you for your service to our country," Slawson said.
Graden said Westphal is officially a Saline Hornets alumnus now.
"We've considered him that for years already," said Shirley, leaning over to tease Graden.
Westphal's diploma will be dated June 5, 1944, the first Sunday of the month to follow when traditional graduation ceremonies are held today.
Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
Carole
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
Congratulations young man -- and the very best to you and yours in all that you endeavor to do.
Richard
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Still no proof-reader ????
David Zimmer
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
At last evenings presentation, I said to him privately and now I want to thank him publicly for his service to our country. My father served in the US Army Corp of Engineers in the Pacific during the war and my uncle was a US Navy Seebee serving in the Pacific Theate at the same time as Mr. Westphal. Mr. Westphal, thanks to your help, and many of your fellow sailors, they both returned home safely to my mom and aunt. THANK YOU KEEPING THEM SAFE. Congratulations on your graduation from Saline High and "offically" becoming a member of the Saline Hornet Alumni Association. With sincerest thanks, David Zimmer Saline Area School Board Trustee
cinnabar7071
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Too bad he didn't get it when it meant something, now we have grads that can't read or speak english. Either way I have nothing but respect for Theodore Westphal, thank you for your service and the freedoms I enjoy because of it.
Carole
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
I'm sure he worked very diligently for his diploma -- let's be optimistic about this.
M
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Thanks for all your service, Mr. Westphal.
xmo
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
It is too bad that most people don't feel this way anymore about the United States! "When asked why he felt compelled to leave school to serve his country, Westphal was overcome with emotion and his tears prevented him from speaking. His wife, Shirley, said: "Those were some of the proudest moments of his life.""
harry
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
Mr. Wesphal is a true American. What a shame that Michelle Obama was not proud of her country before her husband took office.