A World War II veteran from Somers is waking up this morning with a new sense of accomplishment.

On Monday, 104-year-old Louis Forte received his diploma, eight decades after dropping out of high school.

In the 1930s, Forte had to drop out of high school to support his mother when his father passed away.

Then in his 30s, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.

He returned home to Westchester, fell in love and had a family.

But something was always missing. In a recent interview with a local newspaper, Forte became emotional when mentioning he never received his diploma. On Monday, as his granddaughter helped him onto the stage and he was welcomed with a standing ovation and that long-awaited diploma. "It means a new lifetime. It's wonderful," says Forte.

Forte knew he'd be getting a diploma, but he didn't know Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch would be presenting him with a cap and gown and that he would be called on stage to receive an honorary diploma. "I saw him work hard his entire life and do what he can for his family so seeing him getting this achievement truly means a lot to him, after all these years is incredible," says his granddaughter Christa Rotolo

Westchester County has declared June 25 as Louis Forte Day.