By Ashley-Anna Aboreden
While we mourn the tragedy of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, we should also recognize its heroes. Too often the shooters in these cases are better known than those who lost their lives to save others.
With their faces plastered all over the news and names making headlines, shooters are continuously recognized and famed. So much so, the heroes are constantly overlooked.
People are sick of this and are taking action. Currently, there’s a petition for one of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas heroes, Peter Wang, to be recognized.
As of Feb. 19, there have only been 24,000 signers, but for the petition to get a response from the White House, there must be at least 100,000 signers. I hope, for Peter Wang’s sake and for the sake of our nation, this will happen.
Peter Wang, a 15-year-old freshman at the high school, is one of the heroes who lost his life this past Valentine’s Day to save his fellow classmates from the shooter. Amidst the chaos around him, Wang held the door long enough for several classmates to escape.
Wang was wearing his JROTC uniform during this tragedy and because of that, many people are petitioning for him to have a full honors military burial.
To me, this shouldn’t even be a question. Peter Wang died saving the lives of those around him. While his world was falling apart, Wang showed true selflessness. He is a hero. Giving him a full honors military burial is the least this country can do to repay him for his service.
When in a situation like the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, most would panic and run from danger.
What Peter Wang did at only 15-years-old is incredible. People say teens can’t do much, stereotyping us as lazy, unambitious and selfish. Wang clearly defied these assumptions and proved that courage doesn’t have a minimum age.
Not only would would this honor Wang, but I believe giving Wang a full military honors burial would inspire kids everywhere. It will glorify selflessness and help change the minds of those skeptical to teens’ abilities.
Hopefully, this petition will pass and Peter Wang will be given the proper burial he deserves. Not only did he honor his high school, but he honored this country and served it fully, laying down his life for his fellow Americans.
It is a shame that Wang wasn’t able to grow up and serve this country as an adult. I am positive he would’ve served whole heartedly and to the best of his ability.
Let’s use this opportunity to recognize the hero and not the villain.
Photo taken from flickr.
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