Dominic Bersani, a World War II and Cold War veteran, was awarded his high school diploma at the Melvin Roads American Legion in East Greenbush.
Dominic Bersani celebrated a very special birthday on Thursday morning. Surrounded by friends and fellow veterans at the Melvin Roads American Legion in East Greenbush, he was presented with service medals for World War II and the Cold War, and he received his long-awaited high school diploma.
Mr. Bersani received his high school diploma from Columbia High School as a part of Operation Recognition.
Operation Recognition is a NYS Veterans’ Services program that permits veterans who left high school without graduating to be able to receive a high school diploma. To be eligible, a Veteran must meet the following requirements:
- Be a New York State resident
- Engaged in active duty service for at least one day
- Discharged under honorable conditions
Mr. Bersani, born in 1926, attended school in Maine but left before graduating when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Fireman First Class Bersani was deployed to Adak Island in the Aleutian Islands, joined the Seabees and rebuilt Adak Island into a staging area to attack the Japanese and drive them from Attu and Kiska Island, ending their occupation of the Aleutians and driving them from North America.
In the Cold War, Ship Serviceman Class 3 Bersani was deployed to Florida (1949-1954) where he prepared LST’s for shipment to the Korean War where U.S. soldiers launched amphibious assaults against North Korean troops.
Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes and Columbia Principal Michael Harkin awarded the diploma to Mr. Bersani.
“It is humbling to be part of the process to award a high school diploma to Mr. Bersani,” said Dr. Kotes. “He truly is part of the ‘Greatest Generation’ of our country. The East Greenbush Central School District is exceptionally grateful to Mr. Bersani for his service to our country. We are honored to celebrate this milestone with him, and it is a fitting tribute that this occurs during the fanfare of his 99th birthday!”
Congratulations to Dominic Bersani ’25!
