This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Today is Memorial Day, and while many of us will be enjoying all the beauty Utah has to offer, Memorial Day should be a time to pause and honor the brave servicemembers who gave their lives in the cause of liberty. I’m speaking of those like former North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor who was killed four years ago while serving in Afghanistan.
He left behind seven young children and a courageously strong wife, Jennie Taylor, who launched the Major Brent Taylor Foundation on what would have been her husband’s 40th birthday.
Major Taylor lived a life of devotion to God, Family and Country, and his memorial Foundation carries forward his legacy by training current and future leaders, and through honoring military families and their loved ones.
The Foundation recently joined with the Utah National Guard during the repatriation ceremonies for U.S. Army Corporal David Milano. He was only 17 years old when he went missing in action in 1950 during the Korean War. His remains were identified using DNA technology, and last month an Honor Guard paid tribute as he was laid to rest near his mother, father and sister.
As we remember Major Taylor and Corporal Milano, these words seem fitting: “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
This is what Memorial Day is truly all about. I’m Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.
