Boy dies after being named honorary Marine in California

An 8-year-old boy with a rare medical condition died in California over the weekend – but not before becoming an honorary Marine.

In a ceremony Saturday at Camp Pendleton, California, Wyatt, dressed in his child-sized Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), Wyatt was given his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor – the traditional regalia given when one is officially deemed a Marine – and then a “smart salute”.

His father, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Gillette, confirmed to the Marine Times that the boy died Sunday morning. Most patients with Aicardi-Goutieres don’t live past childhood.

By Friday, the day before Wyatt’s induction ceremony, it was clear to his mother, Felishia Gillette, that her days with her son were numbered. Wyatt’s father, SSgt. Jeremiah Gillette, is now a drill instructor with 2nd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, aboard the Depot.Wyatt is only the 96th recipient of the award since the program’s inception in 1992.

But the Marines did more than pray for the ill young boy.

The San Clemente boy was bestowed the honor by Marine Corps Commandant General Robert Neller after an online petition asked for the boy to be granted the rare recognition.

“The “Honorary Marine” title reinforces the special bond between the American people and the Corps by recognizing individuals in the civilian community who have made extraordinary contributions to the Marine Corps”.

After the ceremony, Jeremiah Gillette took to the mic to thank his fellow Marines, North and others for coming together to make the event possible.

Ever since he was old enough to talk, Wyatt had wanted to be a Marine like his dad. “He has fought harder in the last nearly eight years than I will ever have to”.

“Keep fighting, Wyatt! You are a Marine!” he posted Saturday.

Gillette’s family is asking for donations to cover funeral expenses.

Those interested in donating can contribute online.