WWII veteran, 98, graduates from Cranston High School East
by: Sarah Doiron
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Anthony Simeone is living proof that it’s never too late to graduate high school.
The 98-year-old World War II veteran and lifelong Rhode Islander received his diploma from Cranston High School East Thursday morning.
Simeone dropped out of high school when he was 16 years old to support his family throughout the Great Depression. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army when he turned 17 and went on to fight in the historic Battle of the Bulge.
“I’m very proud of my military service,” Simeone said. “I wish I could have stayed in longer.”
Simeone received his GED shortly after returning home from the war.
His granddaughter, who’s a Cranston elementary school teacher, arranged the ceremony to highlight her grandfather’s remarkable achievements and ensure that he received a proper high school graduation.
Simeone also received a copy of his transcript from the high school’s archives.