Semper fi.

Via MCT:

Terminally ill 8-year-old made Honorary Marine at Pendleton ceremony

A day after becoming an Honorary Marine, 8-year-old Wyatt Gillette passed away Sunday morning.

Gillette received his Eagle, Globe and Anchor as well as a smart salute Saturday at Camp Pendleton, California. Both Gillette’s father and mother were with him at the School of Infantry-West Parade Deck.

His father, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Gillette, confirmed Sunday that the boy had died. The elder Gillette is a drill instructor with 2nd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Gillette’s family is asking for donations to cover funeral expenses. Those interested can contribute online.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller approved Gillette as an Honorary Marine just days after a petition was posted online asking him to bestow the honor on the young boy, who was born on Aug. 15, 2008, and diagnosed four years later with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome Type 1 (Trex 1 Mutation), a rare genetic disorder.