Petition for JROTC Cadet Peter Wang

GoArmy2022

USMA 2022
Joined
Oct 29, 2017
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I ask that you please sign the petition for JROTC Cadet Peter Wang to receive a full military burial for his demonstrated heroism at the school shooting in Parkland, FL.

During this shooting, JROTC Cadet Wang was last seen in uniform, holding open the doors for his classmates and teachers and is estimated to have saved a dozen lives at a minimum.

He was 15 years old when he was shot and killed and, before his death, demonstrated interest in attending the United States Military Academy at West Point to begin not only his college career but his official service to our Nation.

JROTC Cadet Peter Wang, without the ability to serve his country in the U.S. Army, died a hero in service to his school. It hurts my heart that I could have known him but will never be able to meet him. Regardless, he has influenced my life and many others.

Click here to sign.

The deadline for signatures is 18 MAR. Please share it.
 
As always, this is just my opinion.
I think that this kid did a great thing, but he wasn't a veteran - and even if he was - he would not be afforded a full honors burial.
That's a MOH recipient, General Officer, or Head-of-State thing.

I appreciate that everyone who signs it has their heart in the right place, but it's not going to happen.
 
Plus, and correct me if I am wrong, but JROTC's are not directly related to the military. They are simply a program to teach kids discipline and respect along military guidelines. They are just another extra curricular activity.

Not that the young man doesn't deserve some recognition.
 
A JROTC Color Guard would be nice. He should certainly be recognized for his selfless actions.

As noted above, eligibility for military funeral honors is reserved for veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.

Here’s a quick and dirty description:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mi...and-memorial/military-funeral-honors.html/amp

Here’s who gets the full-on military funeral honors:
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/About-Funerals/Military-Honors/Full

While I regard the young man as a hero, there are other ways to salute him, that also recognize his JROTC program identity.
 
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Plus, and correct me if I am wrong, but JROTC's are not directly related to the military. They are simply a program to teach kids discipline and respect along military guidelines. They are just another extra curricular activity.

Not that the young man doesn't deserve some recognition.

JROTC programs are Federally funded as a high school leadership development program and recruiting tool. Instructors are usually retired military. Cadets are 100% civilian. Benefits include the possibility the unit could provide a SA nom, and for those who enlist, starting at a higher pay grade than E-1.
 
Signed, only because while I agree full honors are reserved for only special circumstances, having the White House acknowledge Cadet Wang and this petition would be a boon for the healing of those he saved.

His unit could easily create their own honors without government assistance, much like the Patriot Guard riders do for veterans who are buried at cemeteries that don't render honors.

All that being said - I never dreamed our junior reserve cadets would be put in the situation to exhibit every quality we wish young people had so early and in such a place.
 
It is my understanding that his JROTC unit will handle the military funeral and color guard portion. I think they have asked that any veteran or active duty who wishes to attend wear the uniform they are allowed to wear.

Veterans who aren't retired shouldn't be wearing uniforms. My uniforms probably wouldn't fit, but even if they did, I didn't serve long enough to wear the uniform after I got out (not that I really want to anyway).

The kid's actions were heroic. I don't think that means he should be afforded full military honors. I do think there are many nice things that can be done to remember/honor him. I also don't want this opinion to convey I have any less respect for him that I would for anyone else, including members of the military, who did something heroic, especially if that action resulted in the loss of his/her life.
 
I agree with what has been said before. He should be honored in every way possbile as the hero he was as he saved so many lives. However, he wasnt in the military so he shouldnt get a miliary funeral.
 
Veterans who aren't retired shouldn't be wearing uniforms.

Lol tell that to every combat veteran who has returned from war and then separated. I know most of the services have regulations limiting uniform wear for non-retirees, but I have yet to see some uniform-nazi go after someone who served honorably and wears the uniform once in a while. With that said, I do agree with you and the others that the kid didn’t do anything to warrant a military funeral. What he did was brave and all but this is getting out of hand. If a bunch of vets want to attend and pay their respects, that’s their business. But this whole “21 gun salute”, “full military honors” thing is not going to happen. If that’s the case they might as well just bury him in Arlington as well.
 
I said what they are "allowed" to wear under regulations. Patches on a field jacket, VFW Caps, decorations and medals etc. Full uniform for active and retired I think is allowed.
 
I said what they are "allowed" to wear under regulations. Patches on a field jacket, VFW Caps, decorations and medals etc. Full uniform for active and retired I think is allowed.

Correct on the active and retired. Vets can also wear mini medals on tuxes.... though the most I’ve done was wear my mesh shorts to sleep/run in and my running gear to once or twice run in cold weather.
 
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