You've likely heard of the cliche - "you should finish what you start."
On June 2, 2016, a former Cedar Springs High School student got to do just that.
71 years after dropping out of high school, this man can call himself a high school graduate.
His name is Erwin Empie, and he's 89 years old. Mr. Empie dropped out of Cedar Springs High School (located in northern Kent County in Michigan), in his sophomore year, to enlist in the Navy during World War II.
He says not having his high school diploma has eaten at him ever since, but the long wait finally ended last week.
"I guess it started about seven months ago," said Empie from his home in Lambertville, Michigan. "My family saw an article about veterans being able to get their GEDs, so my three kids decided to make it happen for me."
Cedar Springs' 2016 graduation took place at the high school on June 2. Empie was prepared to 'turn his tassel', along with close 300 other Cedar Springs seniors.
He was helped onto the stage, and aided by his cane, walked gingerly across the stage, shook hands with several members of the Cedar Springs faculty, and was handed his diploma.
"I just looked out in the audience, then raised my fist," said Empie. "I almost lost my emotions then.
"I just thank the Lord that I was able to do it. I don't know if he was just saving me for that or what, but I've wondered for a long time why I am still hanging around. Maybe this was it."
Empie was eligible to graduate under 'Public Act 181', which is named 'Operation Recognition', which states that a high school diploma can be awarded to a veteran if, before graduation from high school, the military veteran enlisted in or was drafted into the armed forces of the United States during World War II, of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Empie was a 2nd Class Seaman with the United States Navy from 1944-1946.
"The enormity of this whole thing has flabbergasted me," said Empie. "I've always felt incomplete and unfinished without my high school diploma, and now those feelings are gone.
"I thank the Lord everyday for the whole thing."
