Maj. Brent Taylor’s unexpected death in November 2018 while serving in Afghanistan with the Utah Army National Guard stirred a series of tributes in his honor in the area.

Within a week of Taylor’s passing, a giant American flag measuring 11,800-square-feet was flying in Coldwater Canyon outside North Ogden in his honor. A similarly sized flag, “The Major,” was later made in Taylor’s honor.

Jennie Taylor says what began as a heart-felt tribute in the wake of her husband’s unexpected death has grown into a beautiful series of events honoring the men and women who have served, not just those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“We don’t pause nearly enough to pay tribute to veterans,” said Taylor of her favorite, most sacred holiday. “It’s not about getting a good price on a couch.”

Taylor is proud to be from North Ogden where, she believes, veterans are treated with the reverence they deserve. She said she could fill a book with the feelings she has during this time. She chooses to focus on gratitude, gratitude to those who served, gratitude to those who are still serving and gratitude to her city for honoring and supporting all service men and women.

Events include the flying of “The Major” in Coldwater Canyon, a memorial blood drive with the American Red Cross, a Field of Honor with 500 American flags honoring local service men and women, an outdoor Veterans Devotional Program and a fundraiser gala for the Major Brent Taylor Foundation’s Leadership Legacy Scholarship program.

Veterans week starts tomorrow with the unfurling of “The Major” and ends Nov. 13 with the Veterans Day Parade in Layton.