Most of the graduating seniors at Hackettstown High School will have lived most of their lives in the 21st century. One of them has lived most of his life in the previous century. Howard Housel is receiving his diploma from Hackettstown High School on Monday, almost 69 years after he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army. The 90-year-old veteran will receive an honorary diploma from the Hackettstown Board of Education.

Housel served a distinguished career in the military, receiving two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and a presidential citation. He was awarded a battlefield commission in Germany to second lieutenant, rose through the ranks and retired as a colonel after more than 38 years of service. Learn more about the parade and ceremony.