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Couple Forced Into Internment Camp During WWII Receive High School Diplomas 72 Years Later

TUSTIN (CBSLA.com) — A couple forced into an internment camp during World War II walked across a stage and received their high school diplomas Thursday.

"It's been 72 years, and I never expected this, so this is quite an honor for us," said Miko Kaihara, who waited decades to receive the diploma.

She and her husband, George Kaihara, were given the diplomas that read Tustin Union High School, Class of 1943 during the commencement ceremony at Tustin High School.

The year 1943 was the year the pair would have graduated.

Instead, they were among the thousands of Southland Japanese Americans forced into internment camps during the war.

Denny Hayden, a longtime friend of the couple, helped get them the recognition they deserve.

"This gives them a chance, in effect I think, it kind of gives us a chance to make amends in a way," he said.

The Kaiharas are also just days away from celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

"It's quite an honor. And never in my mind did I think that this would, you know, happen," George Kaihara said.

Both are 90.

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