A local school and family celebrates a special graduation ceremony. More than 70 years later, a World War II veteran finally received his diploma. Time Warner Cable News reporter Brittani Moncrease was there as the graduate shared his excitement.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- It was an honor unlike anything William Kocik could imagine.
"We were glad to be able to have the opportunity and to find a way to be able to appropriately acknowledge it within our ceremonies, so that it has the significance it deserves," Binghamton High School Principal Roxie Oberg said.
In 1945, William Kocik, known to many as Bill, enlisted in the United States Navy. A decision he made without hesitation.
"My cousin got killed over in the war," Kocik said. "My friend got shot and I said, 'that's it -- I'm going.'"
"I heard many stories both about the difficulties, the sacrifices and the losses that occurred during this war which has preserved our freedom," Oberg said.
That sacrifice came for Bill the very moment he enlisted. He gave up being able to graduate from high school, in order to protect the nation.
"Bill honorably served our country for 20 years during the Korean conflict and World War II."
"I was going into the 11th grade and that's when I turned 17 to get in, and never did graduate," said Kocik.
Sunday, that all changed for him. Bill received his diploma from Binghamton High School.
"It's quite an honor and privilege to do this," he said. "I'm glad I finally get my graduation diploma."
And for the current students of the high school, they did not mind sharing the stage.
"It's more than just an honor to know that we are a part of his journey even though it's coming a little late," Binghamton High School graduate Allison Westbrook said.
But the timing didn't change the spirit.
"I think it definitely touched a lot of us because even though there's a gap in time, there's nothing like being a Binghamton patriot," Westbrook said.
A pride they say exceeds all.