Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
The president's announcement yesterday that all U.S. troops would withdraw from Iraq by year's end came nearly five years to the day that my college friend, Dave Taylor, was killed in Baghdad. Every day, Dave carried a photo of his unit, a photo of his baby son, drawings of the American flag, and a handwritten copy of this quote with him:
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. -- John Stuart Mill
Five years ago today, we lost a great man, one of many who died over there. I didn't know him that well, honestly. He was in ROTC at Davidson College, and I'd watch him and a few of my other friends do drills out my window on beautiful North Carolina afternoons. Often, my view would be blocked by a massive blooming magnolia, and I'd have to lean way out the wide-open window to see clearly.
Dave and I also shared a few laughs when he came onto my college hall to visit some of his closer friends. The encounters were always relaxed and genuine, free of the anxiety or insecurity or superficiality of some college friendships. He was a man at peace with himself but with a flourishing, devilish sense of humor.
I lost touch with him and hadn't had any contact with him for well over a decade. But an email about his death on Oct. 22 of 2006 still ripped me apart. That year, 3 weeks after his death, I ran the NYC Marathon in his, his wife's, and his baby son Jake's memory.
This year, a few weeks ago, actually, I was able to meet his wife and mother for the first time at the 2011 Army 10-Miler in Washington DC.
If you have a moment to read about greatness -- and, honestly, to read an amazing love story that is worthy of your time -- please read this St. Petersburg Times story about Dave, his wife, and his young son. It was written a few days after his death. In it, you will find remarkable examples of American courage, spirit, and eloquence, such as this, his last message to his infant son:
Jake ...
I have to return to Iraq ... and will think of you and your mom every second I am there. Thoughts of you and how you are growing will fill my mind, and my sadness at being away from you and your mom will fill my heart. But each day there, is a day closer to seeing you again, and that will keep me very, very happy.
You are a precious gift Jake, and I will always thank God and your mother for bringing you to me.
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Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
My hat is off to a hero. Thank you for reminding us.
May '10
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
A great soldier and father, a loss for the family, friends, those lives Dave Taylor so obviously touched.
(Good to see you back Ursula)
Sep '10
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
Your reminiscence, hoisted above the crowd by the proud clear voice of John Stuart Mill, makes me want to weep for my country as much as for everyone who knew and loved this dear, dear man.
Sep '10
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
Great to see you back Ursula and for a hero not soon to be forgotten.
May '10
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
Bless you, Ursula, and, RIP Maj. David G. Taylor, Jr. Thank you.
Jun '10
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
*Slow Salute*
Apr '11
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
I spent most of the past couple of years in Baghdad, working for an Iraqi govt. owned bank. Most of the indigenous (rather than ex-pat) Iraqis I worked with were profoundly grateful for the sacrifices made by the soldiers, whose personal heroism in Iraq was so clearly selfless. The people who lived out there on tour made amazing sacrifices, for which we should feel proud and grateful. How much more so for those that lived and died.
Aug '10
Re: Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., KIA, Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006
Thank you for sharing Ursula. The St. Petersburg Times article was very moving. For the loved ones, I'm sorry for their loss. I'm glad I was able to learn about the man and his story.