Ethmer Wright can take special pride in two factors of his life.

The first is based on the interval between his attendance at Albert Lea High School and finally receiving a diploma. This gap in time is the 55 years between 1944 and 1999.

In 1944 he dropped out of high school to enlist in the U.S. Navy. However, because of eye problems he was discharged after about six months of service.

In April 1945, Wright was drafted into the U.S. Army. (During World War II each of the military services had differing physical examination standards.) He served overseas during 1946 in Korea with a unit of the XXIV Corps. After his discharge in late 1946, he went to work for Enderes Tool Co. in early 1947.

On Nov. 11, 1999, Wright was one of 13 World War II veterans to be awarded full high school diplomas. This took place during a special program at Southwest Junior High School.

The second factor is based on his status as being one of very few veterans who served in two separate U.S. military services during World War II.

Wright is a member of Leo Carey Post 56 of the American Legion and served as the post’s commander in 1995. He has also served in other post positions and as a trustee for 10 years. Next year, incidentally, will mark his 50th year as a Legionnaire.

Ethmer and Marlene Wright will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next February. They have four children: Theresa Redman of Albert Lea, Lon Wright of Glenville, Debra Morgan of Hartland and Todd Wright of Fernley, Nev., plus 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.