re: JROTC Cadet a funeral with full Military honors updated

West Point posthumously admits shooting victim Peter Wang to Class of 2025

S. Military Academy West Point is posthumously admitting Florida school shooting victim Peter Wang, who dreamed of attending the prestigious academy.

Wang could have been in the Class of 2025. The 15-year-old’s funeral is today.

West Point will confer a letter of admission, along with honorarium tokens, to his family, local West Point alumni Chad Maxey said.

Wang died in his JROTC uniform on Wednesday, holding the door open to allow others to escape, as gunman Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, authorities and witnesses said.

Gov. Rick Scott directed the Florida National Guard to honor Wang and two other members of JROTC at their funerals.

Maxey said a local veteran group read of Wang’s dream of attending the academy, and confirmed with a cousin that it was true. He said Capt. Shahin Uddin was flown to South Florida to provide the posthumous letter to the family.

“This story … has kindled so many hearts for action in a time when things have felt so hopeless,” Maxey said in a text message.

Only one other high school student has received an honor like this, Maxey said. LINK

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The Medal of Heroism was presented to the family of Alaina Petty at a memorial service on Monday, the Army said, and will be given to the family of Peter Wang during his memorial service today. Martin Duque’s family will be given the medal on Saturday, the Army added. The medal recognizes cadets whose performance “involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities.”

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