CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - He dreamed of going to West Point after graduating from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. After dying a hero while saving fellow students, the military academy has decided to posthumously admit Peter Wang to its Class of 2025.
The 15-year-old was a JROTC cadet who died in his uniform, holding the door open to allow others to escape as accused gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire in the school’s freshman building, last Wednesday.
Family and friends said their final goodbyes with flowers in hand and as Buddhist monks chanted at Wang’s funeral, Tuesday.
“Good kid, and he died a hero. He kept the door open for his friends so his friends could be safe,” said Cam Hoang, a family friend.
A petition calling for a full honors military funeral called Wang a hero, saying his “selfless and heroic actions have led to the survival of dozens in the area.”
One of USMA's priorities is to develop leaders of character who are committed to the values of Duty, Honor & Country. Peter Wang's actions on February 14 are an example of those principles & the academy honors his dream of being a West Point cadet with a 2025 letter of acceptance pic.twitter.com/fycvJBhte8
— U.S. Military Academy at West Point (@WestPoint_USMA) February 20, 2018
“He died in uniform, and he saved people’s lives. He deserves to have a full military burial,” said Wang’s friend Victoria Downing.
Wang wanted to go to West Point Academy and was admitted posthumously on Tuesday. His parents received medals for his heroism by the U.S. Army.
One medal will stay with the uniform while the other will be with his parents.
Wang would have been a member of the 2025 class.
“It’s very devastating, and this is horrible for all of us,” said family friend Lina Tam.
Fellow JROTC members Alaina Petty and Martin Duque will also receive special medals honoring them.
“I lost three friends in the attack, and there’s no chance I’m ever forgetting them or the other 14 victims,” said student Jared Burns. “This has changed everything. Nothing’s going to ever be normal. Nothing could be.”
Wang’s coffin could be seen draped with an American flag. It is a high honor for the teen who always wanted to be a soldier.
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