PARKLAND, Fla. – The U.S. Army awarded the Medal of Heroism to three Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps members killed on Valentine's Day at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
All who knew Peter Wang, 15, and Martin Duque and Alaina Petty, both 14, said the three wore their uniform with pride and wanted to be of service. Their junior ROTC unit wanted to provide the color guard at their services.
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CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners leave the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)No description foundNo description foundNo description foundNo description found
CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Peter Wang, 15, who was a JROTC cadet, at Kraeer Funeral home on February 20, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Wang was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School along with 16 other people. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the killings on February 14. Wang was holding a door open for other students when he was shot. The funeral was attended by military veterans in dress uniform and members of the Patriot Guard Riders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has posthumously admitted Wang to its class of 2025 and he was also awarded a Medal of Heroism by the U.S. Army. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Gov. Rick Scott issued an order to the Florida National Guard to honor them as well. Alaina was honored during her funeral Monday. Several military veterans' groups attended Peter’s funeral. Martin will be honored during his funeral Saturday.
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CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: An American flag is carried into the funeral for Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners leave after the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: The flag draped coffin of Alaina Petty is is placed in a hearse after her funeral at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: The flag draped coffin of Alaina Petty is taken out after her funeral at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: The flag draped coffin of Alaina Petty is taken out after her funeral at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners hug as they arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners arrive for the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners leave after the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners leave after the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners leave after the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Mourners leave after the funeral of Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: The hearse carrying Alaina Petty leaves after the funeral at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
CORAL SPRINGS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: An American flag is carried into the funeral for Alaina Petty at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 2018 in Coral Springs, Florida. Petty, a 14 year old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was one of 17 people killed in the February 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Police arrested and charged 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the 17 murders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Peter dreamed of going to West Point, and the U.S. Military Academy posthumously offered him admission and honorarium tokens. He was buried in his cadet's uniform.
Students said Peter died while holding the door open. Amid the mayhem, Peter took the time to help others escape. Nikolas Cruz shot and killed Peter, Martin, Alaina and 14 others.
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The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.
