Williamson County Man Receives Honorary Diploma

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By Eric White

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - In 1943, Harry Sanders would have graduated from Franklin High School. Sanders left school to farm, and then he left to fight in World War II.

On Veterans Day, Franklin High School students and faculty honored everyone who fought for freedom.

"I finished high school when I was 16,” said WWII prisoner of war Warren King. “They put me in the 4th infantry division, combat medic on the front line."

Every veteran was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and each has a story of struggle and of loss.

"I made 50 combat missions,” said Sanders.

Franklin high Junior ROTC Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Pesz said it's her generation's duty to remember.

"They sacrificed so much, that they deserve to be honored. They deserve to have at least one day out of the year for them,” said Pesz.

Franklin high administrators decided one veteran deserved a little something else. Sanders did not get the chance to graduate. He left Franklin in 1942 to keep the family farm in business. A year later, he was drafted into the Army Air Force.

"Well I was kind of shocked that they would even want me,” said Sanders.

His classmates graduated 66 years ago, and Tuesday administrators presented Sanders with an honorary diploma.

"I was surprised that they wanted me to be the honoree, to give me the honor, a diploma," said Sanders. "I wasn't expecting it to say the least, haven't really given it much thought.”

Administrators also presented Charles Hudson's family with an honorary diploma. Hudson was killed while fighting in the Vietnam War.

This year FHS is celebrating its 100th anniversary. During that time a long list of school alumni have served in the armed forces, many of whom were killed in combat.

email: ewhite@newschannel5.com