Beginning on the cold morning of Saturday, November 2nd, 2019, I was privileged to be part of the Follow the Flag team, and walk with “The Major” to the top of Coldwater Canyon. An experience I won’t soon forget.
To be assembled with many great citizens of North Ogden, who all had the same dedicated desire as I did, was a tangible, heartwarming feeling. As we hiked up the mountain my cold body began to steadily warm up, leaving only the tips of my fingers to finally feel the sensation of the rising sun. Walking and talking with new friends, old acquaintances and leaders of Follow the Flag gave me everything to smile about.
I may not have literally carried “The Major” but I was assisting in my own way by holding one of the many American flags up the trail. Young children were bundled tight and hoisted on their father’s backs, grade school kids and teenagers climbed the rocky hill. No complaints. No regrets. Only a feeling of complete unity.
Major Brent Taylor’s widow, Jennie Taylor, led the crew who carried the flag. Her smile shone wide as she rounded the corner; her fellow friends supporting her every step of the way. Not only sustaining her efforts, by carrying the 400 lb. flag, but all the efforts of every veteran family in the great city of North Ogden-- and beyond.
Major Brent Taylor’s siblings, including nearly all of his brothers and one sister, carefully stepped down the mountain, holding fast to the cable as they gently handled The Major going from one loving hand to the next. Jennie was waiting at the bottom to receive the red, white, and blue.
Time stood still as we patiently watched while Follow the Flag team members gathered in number to secure The Major onto the strong cables--- stretching across from one end of Coldwater Canyon to the other. Waiting…waiting…the cold seeps in again. Our bodies move and jostle around, trying to stay warm. We greet and talk to each other and make conversation as our breath freezes in the air. I sat down next to Tammy and Steve Taylor, parents of Major Brent Taylor. Both were cheerful, humble, and exude kindness—even making me laugh. Salt of the earth people. There were were—all of us together-- focused on the canyon below.
The flag slowly moves outward, positioned perfectly in the center of Coldwater Canyon and the countdown is on…10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
The magic moment…The Major is unfurled! There it is! Back in all its glory! Spreading beautifully and waving proudly atop the bows of the pine trees below.
A sound of cheerful jubilation and applause erupts from us onlookers and crew members alike. We’ve waited so long to see this flag fly again! A stillness sweeps over the crowd and we feel the poignant purpose of our trek up the mountain. We feel the sense of wonder and awe. We feel the love for our country and for all veterans. Thank you, Major Brent Taylor, and family, for sacrificing all. Thank you to all Gold Star families. We see you.
