Should there be a military funeral for the JROTC Cadet killed in the Parkland shooting?

2018-02-20T16:26:40-05:00

I'm sure most if not all of you are aware of the shooting that happened on 14 February 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Where the assailant, one Nikolas Cruz, murdered 17 students and wounded another 15.

One student in particular was 15 year old JROTC Cadet Peter Wang, who unconfirmed at this time was promoted to Cadet Corporal on the day of the incident.

Cadet Wang was reported as holding the door for his fellow students to escape rather than escaping himself, and was shot and killed in the process.

UPDATE

Cadet Peter Wang was buried today, 20 February 2018 and was accepted Posthumously as a West Point Cadet in the Class of 2025 and was awarded the JROTC Medal of Heroism by the Department of the Army.
Cadet Wang was buried in his JROTC Uniform with his medal, the family was given a keepsake medal and the certificate from West Point.

There have been calls for Cadet Wang to receive a Military Funeral for his actions. There are mixed feelings regarding this as Cadet Wang was a member of his High Schools JROTC and not part of the Army ROTC or the Army.

Would it be more prudent to posthumously award Cadet Wang something like the Presidential Citizens Medal for his act of heroism since he is not a member of the Armed Forces?

UPDATE

Cadet Wang was apparently buried with military honors with Soldiers playing taps at his funeral.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 20 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-02-20T16:31:24-05:00

I'm honestly not sure. A lot of people died heroes that day to give just one an award wouldn't sit well with me. I wouldn't have a problem with a VFW detachment having a military funeral, though Im not sure Id send the old guard to handle it.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 20 at 2018 4:39 PM

2018-02-20T16:39:07-05:00

A resounding yes!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 4:45 PM

2018-02-20T16:45:52-05:00

I would say give him a military Funeral and a civilian award. It would take away the spotlight on the shooter and bring some sort of light from this horrific shooting. Would be a great inspiration to young teens on how we appreciate when people do the right thing.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 20 at 2018 4:53 PM

2018-02-20T16:53:39-05:00

For a historical prospective look at the cadets from VMI in the civil war. They took the field, fought hard and died well. Buried as Soldiers. Kid was a JROTC cadet, who is to say he wouldn't have been a Soldier later if he had lived.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Feb 20 at 2018 5:04 PM

2018-02-20T17:04:41-05:00

No. Not that I don't have the highest level of respect for the cadets, but those rights are reserved for certain people. I do believe that if some military members or veterans wanted to show up and do a color guard or an informal kind of demonstration of respectthat there is absolutely nothing wrong with that; in fact, if I could be there I would.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 5:43 PM

2018-02-20T17:43:08-05:00

Cadet Wang is receiving a military award. He and several other cadets will be awarded the Junior ROTC Heroism Medal by the Department of the Army, which is fitting giving his status as a JROTC cadet. I wouldn't be against him receiving a military style funeral if it were put on by a veterans group or maybe service members volunteering their time, but an official government sponsored military funeral would be inappropriate because Cadet Wang was not a service member.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 20 at 2018 6:07 PM

2018-02-20T18:07:04-05:00

He's posthumously receiving the JROTC medal for heroism and West Point has posthumously accepted his application. I believe those two gestures are very appropriate.

Response by CPT Kurk Harris made Feb 20 at 2018 6:16 PM

2018-02-20T18:16:59-05:00

No, I don't think so. JROTC is a training program, but not military service. While I am mourning the loss of this child and the other 14 children, they were victims of a horrific crime, not soldiers lost in combat.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 6:59 PM

2018-02-20T18:59:35-05:00

No. military funerals are for the military and veterans. He was not a military member or veteran, so he does not qualify for a military funeral.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 7:34 PM

2018-02-20T19:34:00-05:00

He wasn’t in the military, but I think as a posthumously accepted West Point Cadet, effectively an honorary appointment as a Soldier, sending a military funeral honors team (Common to almost all state’s National Guard) would be a solid gesture.
It costs nothing, and honors a sacrifice in the spirit and finest traditions of the Army, an organization they aspired to join.
I’d say give their family the optic, and honor their intent and actions.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Feb 20 at 2018 8:47 PM

2018-02-20T20:47:21-05:00

See my comments below.

Response by 1LT Ryan Millican made Feb 20 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-02-20T20:54:50-05:00

JROTC is not part of the military. The instructors are part of Cadet Command, yes, but the students/cadets are only members of that high school. They don’t sign a contract, or be required to serve after graduation. Only real benefit these kids get is the possibility of enlisting as an E3, after the graduate and complete 4 years of JROTC. Military Funerals are and should be reserved for members of the US Armed Forces, not high school students. I’m not saying this kid didn’t go above and beyond, he just isn’t entitled to that benefit.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 8:03 AM

2018-02-21T08:03:56-05:00

With all respect to he and his family; no.

The recognition he has received is both appropriate and honorable.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Feb 21 at 2018 9:41 AM

2018-02-21T09:41:45-05:00

No. To me that is like giving a Military Funeral to a Boy Scout. If he were killed in an action After Signing His contract and taking his Oath then Yes but this is not the case.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-02-21T10:21:20-05:00

No. He shouldn't get a military funeral. Simply put, he wasn't in the military. It's not being mean and it's not meant to insult him or his family. It's just the way it is. It's like if a SM dies while he's engaged to be married. The fiancée does not get the honors typically bestowed to a spouse. Because they simply weren't married yet. They were planning to be, sure. But it hadn't happened yet. And that makes a difference.

Response by Capt Ray S. O. made Feb 21 at 2018 1:44 PM

2018-02-21T13:44:09-05:00

Should be done by his fellow cadets. Would be a good experience for them -

Response by Nicole Williams made Feb 21 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-02-21T16:31:47-05:00

Absolutely

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 5:55 PM

2018-02-21T17:55:05-05:00

Should have been. He got posthumously admitted to West Point that's something. Aren't they all getting some honors? (There were 3 JROTC cadets killed).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 10:09 PM

2018-02-21T22:09:07-05:00

HELL YES!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-02-22T10:39:43-05:00

Yes.Absolutly.that should not even be questioned.any cadet is owed that.we owe them.yes

Response by Lt Col John Rosenthal made Feb 23 at 2018 7:25 PM

2018-02-23T19:25:04-05:00

Yes, it was not the cadet's choice to get shot by the suspect. A potentially good future officer - maybe a future service chief.

Response by COL Robert Davies made Feb 24 at 2018 10:46 PM

2018-02-24T22:46:14-05:00

I see no reason why we shouldn't. He wore the uniform! If nothing else, good training for his comrades, band of brothers and sisters. Request a military Chaplain.

Response by SPC Christian Huber made Feb 28 at 2018 2:08 AM

2018-02-28T02:08:53-05:00

Yeah

Response by MIDN 2/C Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 6:11 PM

2018-03-02T18:11:47-05:00

No...there's no doubt what he did was heroic, but he was in a high school club, not the service

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Mar 5 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-03-05T10:52:39-05:00

Though I am sure to catch flak, I will say yes. The young man in question acted in the highest tradition of the military when he sacrificed himself so that others might live. While it might not be in the regs. to receive such an honor, I believe it would be the honorable thing to do. Such selfless acts of heroism are all too rare these days and should (IMHO) be recognized as such. Either way. I will stand to and salute that young man. He has my complete and total respect. Semper Fi.

Response by Alan K. made Mar 19 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-03-19T08:11:33-04:00

Absolutely.....

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 19 at 2018 12:38 PM

2018-03-19T12:38:06-04:00

Yes there should, he showed great bravery and courage, and was willing to protect his classmates.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Mar 19 at 2018 1:37 PM

2018-03-19T13:37:46-04:00

Simply put; if this Cadet was in the ROTC, would he receive a military funeral and a military or civilian medal?

If this Cadet was in West Point, how would he have been honored?

Lastly; isn't JROTC the first step towards getting a military contract, since upon successful completion of junior high, this Cadet would enter the ROTC program and, upon graduation from high school, the Cadet would be commissioned an Officer in a branch of the Armed Forces. Alike to West Point and the Citadel. So; why treat this Cadet any different?

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Mar 19 at 2018 1:41 PM

2018-03-19T13:41:15-04:00

Respect the Cadet Corps, since they are the future of the Officer Corps. West Point or JROTC; a Cadet is a military trainee and must get equal respect.

Response by SFC William D. Heaster made Mar 25 at 2018 3:23 PM

2018-03-25T15:23:27-04:00

Everyone of the students that think surviving is releasing them for what they failed to do instead of Patting themselves on the backs an glorifying their status when they see his body lowered into his grave site. Yet his Classmates show no remorse at all for those who lost their lives. I'm a Vietnam Veteran and I feel those that survived could have done more to prevent all the carnage, 17 innocent classmates suffered. I commend this brave soul for his short duty of intention to our Country's needs of the future i would like to think he would have made a difference. God Bless his soul and the family and friends that really cared for him.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Mar 26 at 2018 5:37 AM

2018-03-26T05:37:18-04:00

Yes, this kid deserves a military funeral. What he did and why he did it is enough for me. If I were Governor Scott, I would've gotten in front of this and made him a honorary Florida Guardsman and given him full military honors at St. Francis Barracks with myself and the AG present, and buried him at state expense with a military headstone at the cemetary of his parents choosing.

Response by PO1 John Flores made Mar 29 at 2018 9:13 AM

2018-03-29T09:13:10-04:00

Suppose there was a civilian in a combat zone with Marines or soldiers. He shoots the bad guys, etc., then jumps on an incoming grenade and saves the lives of a bunch of Marines and soldiers. Willingly or not, he was part of your unit, willingly (or not), he gave his life to save others in your unit. Now, how do you honor that?

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Mar 29 at 2018 4:19 PM

2018-03-29T16:19:53-04:00

Not to down-play or dismiss the JROTC Cadet’s death, but I don’t think a military burial or honors were earned. That is earned by Service-members and Veterans. As for the West Point Cadets, maybe, because they have a commitment to serve in the military upon graduation. Were any of the high school band-members buried with honors of any kind? No doubt, it was tragic.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 29 at 2018 4:40 PM

2018-03-29T16:40:33-04:00

Let him have it, and God bless his soul.

Response by SSG Dale London made Mar 30 at 2018 6:45 PM

2018-03-30T18:45:04-04:00

He acted in the best traditions of the military and was enrolled in a recognized auxiliary - he should be rendered the honors of the soldier he was.

Response by PFC Michael Hewett made Apr 13 at 2018 12:02 PM

2018-04-13T12:02:32-04:00

Lol wang

Response by SFC Roland Gutierrez made Apr 13 at 2018 1:54 PM

2018-04-13T13:54:13-04:00

All that service

Response by SFC Roland Gutierrez made Apr 13 at 2018 1:54 PM

2018-04-13T13:54:36-04:00

My brother Jacinto R Gutierrez was kill on 11 March 1971by protestors against the ROTC program. He was ready to go to the Rangers School at Fort Benning he never makes. It hard too loose a Brother's. I service for 21 years all my other brothers service

Response by SSG Greg Beyer made Apr 17 at 2018 1:59 AM

2018-04-17T01:59:19-04:00

Army retired here.
I am totally in awe of the bravery and courage shown by Cadet Wong. His sacrifice saved countless others and is an example of selfless service.
I would have been proud to share a foxhole with him.
Painfully I must disagree with a Military funeral as he unfortunately was never active duty.
The kid did right though and has earned a seat at the table in Valhalla

Response by CMSgt John Fallin made Apr 23 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-04-23T21:41:08-04:00

While it is tragic that he and the other students died that day he still should not be given a military funeral. I feel it would be inappropriate since being a JROTC in high school doesn't mean he would ever be in the Military

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Apr 26 at 2018 2:25 AM

2018-04-26T02:25:36-04:00

A civilian service with due recognition for his commitment to JROTC would be appropriate. Members of JROTC are not contracted service members.

Response by Sgt John Earley made May 2 at 2018 7:40 AM

2018-05-02T07:40:10-04:00

He knew of the consequences of performing is action of staying behind to make sure everyone was safe.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 4 at 2018 11:19 AM

2018-05-04T11:19:14-04:00

I am not a heartless person, and my heartfelt condolences go to the family - but no - he was not active duty, was not in the Guard or reserves - nor did he give his life in service to the country - it is terrible that this tragedy occurred, but being in JROTC is not being in the military.

Response by SSG Randall Ford made May 5 at 2018 11:03 PM

2018-05-05T23:03:19-04:00

I would think the honors if done would be through his ROTC unit and performed by his fellow ROTC companions. It would give them the pride and recognition they would deserve as a unit.

Response by CW3 Chuck Huddleston made May 21 at 2018 10:03 PM

2018-05-21T22:03:03-04:00

No, he was not in the military and therefore does NOT qualify. Military funerals are rightly reserved for those who have served on active duty.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 12:18 AM

2018-05-22T00:18:55-04:00

Whether yes or no, don’t you think this question is just a tad moot? Pretty good chance the kid's been in the ground for about three months.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made May 26 at 2018 12:59 PM

2018-05-26T12:59:28-04:00

What service did this JROTC perform for the nation?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-05-27T11:22:30-04:00

I don't like quibbling over what to give someone who is dead. I would support the Army commissioning him as a Second Lieutenant, and giving him the Soldier's medal. It's a VERY SMALL thing to do for his family, for someone who demonstrated to us all how a soldier behaves, and the cost that might be paid for military service.

I see there are other respondents who don't feel he deserves a military funeral. But HE doesn't care. It's HIS FAMILY that deserves all the respect we can give, and other families whose children are considering military service deserve to know that we honor that commitment.

And if there is ANYONE who feels their service or their medals will be cheapened by such an award, I can only say I feel sorry for you. My service was never defined by the ribbons I was awarded.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 27 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-05-27T21:46:29-04:00

I concur with SMSGT Ian S.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 27 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-05-27T21:54:06-04:00

I concur with SMSGT Ian S.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 12:37 AM

2018-05-28T00:37:43-04:00

Hero- why not? No problem for the good military PR.

Response by LTC James McElreath made May 31 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-05-31T22:18:32-04:00

The young man demonstrated to the fullest what is expected of every person that wears our countries uniforms. He has earned the horror for his service! There is nothing that states his cadet corps couldn't provide him the honors!
Now I read from a member that he could be commissioned a 2lt and receive these honors. I would have to state that 4 years of JROTC would allow him to pin on PFC rank after graduating. But there is no way to make him a 2lt that is big army decisions for that and or congress! It is within the lower levels of army to give the burial. But like I stated earlier it would be a big honor for his cadet corp to honor him at his burial.

Response by PV2 Ross Bryan made Jun 7 at 2018 9:44 PM

2018-06-07T21:44:04-04:00

A PERSON INTERESTED IN THE MILITARY ENOUGH TO START AS AN ROTC IS DEFINTLY
ENTITLED TO MORE THAN A STANDARD CIVILIAN SERVICE!! ALSO THE FACT THAT HE STOPPED TO AID OTHERS ESCAPING IS TRULY WHAT A HERO SOLDIER WOULD DO!
GIVE HIM THE MILITARY FUNERAL HE WELL DESERVES!
ROSS M BRYAN

Response by TSgt James Lacey made Jun 14 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-06-14T19:46:42-04:00

I am of mixed emotions about this. Yes he was on the path to become a soldier, yess he displayed courage and responsibility; but, he was not yet a soldier. Giving him the Jrotc award and posthumous entry into West Point is quite a statement. I don't believe anything beyond this should actually be added as it lessens the military funeral concept for those who deserve it.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Jun 14 at 2018 10:55 PM

2018-06-14T22:55:47-04:00

Military style funeral is no problem.. officially being recorgnized with military honors is.. give him a civilian medal for heroism..

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-06-15T09:39:47-04:00

Absolutely, 100%! That kid displayed the highest degrees of Honor and Courage. Not every Soldier or Veteran carries him or herself like that, yet we're all entitled to a military funeral. Screw the technicalities. He should be honored for how he acted, not for whatever a piece of paper said about him.

Response by 1SG John Nein made Jun 25 at 2018 5:22 PM

2018-06-25T17:22:41-04:00

Absolutely not. He was awarded an appropriate medal for his actions. As heroic as his actions were, he is still not a service member there for he does not warrant a military funetal.

Response by PO2 Seth Morgan made Jun 25 at 2018 5:23 PM

2018-06-25T17:23:01-04:00

Absolutely not. He wasn’t in the military therefore does not qualify. If we started to make exceptions allowing civilians a military funeral it opens Pandora’s box to make the military funeral not relevant anymore.

Response by Cpl Charles Donohoe made Jun 26 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-06-26T14:45:02-04:00

I would be more than proud to accept this hero that gave his life in order to save others selflessly in the face of immediate danger a military funeral. He gave his young life in order to give other young people a chance at theirs. Just because he wasnt old enough to join doesnt mean he wouldnt have. I think most of our forefathers would agree. He fought evil and lost his life. I salute him!

Response by PO3 Stacy Brown-Bull made Jul 4 at 2018 1:46 AM

2018-07-04T01:46:16-04:00

No he sjould not have a military funeral. But, I do believe he should recieve the civilian award for his heroism.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 5:02 PM

2018-07-21T17:02:15-04:00

I sort of wonder at the character of those that would debate the specific legal status aspects of an act of courage that exceeds what any of us on here save MOH winners have ever accomplished.

Response by CPL Steve Freeman made Jul 30 at 2018 11:03 AM

2018-07-30T11:03:26-04:00

It took 6 months to bury the kid?

Response by SSG Lesley L Dekle made Aug 4 at 2018 4:49 PM

2018-08-04T16:49:10-04:00

Yes

Response by SFC Richard Andrews made Aug 17 at 2018 12:27 AM

2018-08-17T00:27:51-04:00

WHY! Make it an issue. His mind and HEART was committed, he took the oath ,served to the best of his ability and capacity. What kind of messages are we as a NATION. ..sending. ...US ARMY. .RETIRED

Response by LCpl Doug Gilmore made Aug 25 at 2018 6:41 PM

2018-08-25T18:41:10-04:00

This is hard to comment on, but being a Marine vet I must add my opinion. The other honors may be appropriate since he apparently was a brave young man, but he had never served one day in the Armed Forces, which did not merit a military funeral. Emotions ruled this travesty of violating an honor reserved for true military veterans.

Response by SSgt John Carter made Sep 2 at 2018 7:52 AM

2018-09-02T07:52:57-04:00

There’s nothing wrong with it.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Sep 18 at 2018 10:27 AM

2018-09-18T10:27:18-04:00

wow, I mean he was not a member of the military, but he seemed to want that life. To me, its something the local military could be involved in, just like they would do for a Make A Wish candidate. There is no military medal he would qualify for, but there are certainly certificates that could be made to honor him and his sacrifice. I mean the reality is, I am sure he has long been buried, but the local NG, ANG, AF, or Naval people could certainly have been involved in his funeral and they could have given the family a nice certificate. But an official military funeral would seem to be a stretch to me.

Response by MSgt Eugene Fielder made Sep 22 at 2018 12:09 PM

2018-09-22T12:09:48-04:00

I can’t agree. He was not in the military therefore not a veteran. He may deserve something for his selfless actions but not a military honors funeral.

Response by SGT Phil Marnette made Oct 26 at 2018 11:53 PM

2018-10-26T23:53:22-04:00

Being heroic, actually heroic during a time of crisis while preparing to become a member of the military solidifies his committment to the military and its principles there for qualifying him for military honors in my opinion. I hate hearing the word "hero" most times when used for people not doing heroic actions. This young man actually died helping to save others, heroic.God bless him and his family.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Nov 3 at 2018 11:36 AM

2018-11-03T11:36:12-04:00

I am appalled at this question even being asked. And here is why. ROTC is a feed branch for the military. We rely on these institutions to supply leader for our upper management and command structure. 2ndly, this is an all voluntary army. 3rdly, in a national crisis all soldier and cadets are called upon to serve and defend. And finally, this is the greatest recruitment tool. To serve in the United States Military is the highest honor a US Citizen can receive and be given. And guys I say this as a guy who served 4 years that enlisted and not drafted.

Response by SPC Thomas Smith made Nov 17 at 2018 9:20 PM

2018-11-17T21:20:24-05:00

I must admit I am torn on this because I have seen many people who were in jrrotc and never join the military. But he was being promoted which shows he's diligent in his role as a jrrotc cadet and shows that he has some feelings about being a soldier and his actions were that of a trained military soldier and not that of a brower county deputy. He was brave and fearless and everything I could want a soldier to be. I am a vet and I believe I earned the right to a military funeral even though I never saw combat. So if his family wants it and can convince the army to give it to him he can have mine if that's ok.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Dec 3 at 2018 9:17 AM

2018-12-03T09:17:42-05:00

No. The deceased in this case was not Active Duty military. They weren't even a reservist. They were associated with, but only in the AAAA baseball team is associated with the pros sense. They don't rate a military funeral.

Response by MSG Scott Berndt made Jan 19 at 2019 8:41 PM

2019-01-19T20:41:47-05:00

Response by SGT James Murphy made Mar 9 at 2020 12:11 PM

2020-03-09T12:11:59-04:00

Without a Question!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 12:16 PM

2020-03-09T12:16:05-04:00

The least we should do.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-04-30T18:44:18-04:00

I don't see an issue with this. Provide the honors.

Response by LTC David Brown made Jan 10 at 2022 10:53 AM

2022-01-10T10:53:24-05:00

Yes

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Jan 10 at 2022 12:02 PM

2022-01-10T12:02:29-05:00

His application to West Point was posthumously excepted he acted with Heroism, Valore, and Distinction, and Honor and gave his life for others with thinking of himself in a true act of sacrifice, he has performed the duties in the same manner as all service members have who have given there lives.
He has earned his place among our Brothers and Sisters. He has earned his military honors for burial.

Response by AN Kevin Esmond made Apr 6 at 2022 9:24 PM

2022-04-06T21:24:43-04:00

He should get recognition for his participation, however legally he couldn't raise his right hand and be sworn in to service of this country.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 6 at 2022 9:55 PM

2022-04-06T21:55:47-04:00

No. Was not a service member.