An 8-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder passed away on Sunday, a day after becoming an honorary Marine.
Wyatt Gillette, who was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome four years ago, was honored by Marines at Camp Pendelton in California on Saturday. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller agreed to make Gillette a Marine after a petition was posted online.
"One of the easiest decisions yet as CMC was to make this 8-yr old a Marine," Gen. Neller said on Twitter. "Keep fighting, Wyatt! You are a Marine!"
One of the easiest decisions yet as CMC was to make this 8-yr old a Marine. Keep fighting, Wyatt! You are a Marine! pic.twitter.com/bSDrEHcc3c
— Robert B. Neller (@GenRobertNeller) July 30, 2016
"Wyatt is the epitome of Semper Fidelis, and we are hoping and praying for him and his family," Neller told the Marie Corps Times, referencing the latin motto of the Marine Corps that means "always faithful."
On Saturday, for at least one day, Wyatt and his father, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Gillette, were both Marines.
The ceremony for Wyatt was held at Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry-West Parade Deck. He was dressed in a Marine uniform and presented with an American flag and Marine Corps insignia.
Wyatt was only the 96th civilian to ever be presented with the honor.
"His fighting spirit has shown all Marines that although times are tough, we must continue to push on in the face of adversity," Lt. Col. Jesse Sjoberg, Sgt. Gillette’s commanding officer and part of the group who started the online petition for Wyatt, said in a statement.
Wyatt’s family has started an online fundraiser to cover the costs of his funeral.