Saturday, November 3, 2018
Utah lost one of our best today. North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor was killed in service to the people of Afghanistan while stationed in Kabul as a member of the Utah National Guard.
Attorney General Sean D. Reyes wrote, “Our hearts are heavy for Jennie, the kids and the extended Taylor family. Brent made us all feel like family and so many of us feel like we’ve lost a brother. He lived his life like he served his nation and community–with principle. His love for God, family and country made him a great patriot. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
To better understand who Brent was and what his sacrifice in Afghanistan meant, here are his thoughts posted on Facebook last Sunday.
Text:
Freedom: Millions Defy Taliban and Vote in Afghan Elections
“The secret to happiness is freedom… And the secret to freedom is courage.” – Thucydides
“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
It was beautiful to see over 4 million Afghan men and women brave threats and deadly attacks to vote in Afghanistan’s first parliamentary elections in eight years. The strong turnout, despite the attacks and challenges, was a success for the long-suffering people of Afghanistan and for the cause of human freedom. I am proud of the brave Afghan and US soldiers I serve with. Many American, NATO allies, and Afghan troops have died to make moments like this possible; for example, my dear friend Lieutenant Kefayatullah who was killed fighting the Taliban the day before voting began. 🇦🇫️
As the USA gets ready to vote in our own election next week, I hope everyone back home exercises their precious right to vote. And that whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us. “United we stand, divided we fall.” God Bless America. 🇺🇲️👊🏻
Note: this post was written on Saturday, 11/3/18, but not published until 11/4/18 due to National Guard protocol which precludes the release of the names of those killed until 24 hours after notification of next of kin. You can watch a live stream of Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s announcement here (KSL) and here (KUTV).
Photos courtesy of Mayor Taylor’s Facebook page.