Bryan N Taylor

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MILFORD, OH, USA

U.S. Marines

LCPL, 2D CEB, 2D MAR DIV, (I MEF FWD, RCT-7), CAMP LEJEUNE, NC

BP TINIAN, IRAQ 04/06/2006

Speech given by Senator Mike DeWine on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2006.

Mr. President, Today I rise to pay tribute to a brave Marine from Milford, Ohio – Lance Corporal Bryan Taylor, who was killed in Iraq on April 6, 2006, after he had been there for just five weeks. Bryan is survived by his parents, Rick and Sherri Taylor, and his younger brother, Matthew. He was just 20 years old.

Mr. President, a 2004 graduate of Milford High School, Bryan had a strong interest in computers and technology. He also attended Live Oaks Career Development Center, where he studied computer-assisted drafting during his last two years of high school. According to those close to him, Bryan “knew no strangers and had no enemies.” One of his favorite things to do was simply sit around and talk about good memories with his friends.

While reflecting on their memories of Bryan, his friends stressed his unceasing loyalty. Bryan’s friend John Legleu said that “people who didn’t even know Bryan that well are calling to tell me what he meant to them. He had a way of finding things in common, and he always found the good in people.”

Friend, Stacey Flick, added, “Bryan strived to make sure he was there for his friends no matter what.” In fact, friends say it was the camaraderie of the Marine Corps that led Bryan to enlist.

Those who knew Bryan also remember his compassion and his willingness to listen. As his friend John said: “I would always seek advice from [Bryan]. Even though I was older, I would always get his opinion. He was mature beyond his years.”

Bryan lived life fully and left a lasting impression on his friends, family, and community. After his death, Miami Township named the football field at Miami Meadows Park, where Bryan used to played Pee Wee football, in his honor. Additionally, Clermont County held a “Celebration of Life” in tribute to Bryan. This celebration included a balloon launch of 60 red, white, and blue balloons, each filled with a note from Bryan’s family and friends. Bryan’s family also received an outpouring of support from many other families of fallen service members, which has meant so very much to them.

Mr. President, in talking about the loss of service members, General George S. Patton once said that we should not mourn those who die on the field of battle. “Rather,” he said, “we should thank God that such men lived.”

Indeed, Mr. President, while we mourn, we do thank God that Bryan Taylor lived. He was a good son, brother, friend, and Marine. Everyone who knew him loved him.

In describing his role in the military, Bryan, himself, wrote the following paragraph shortly before he died: “I am a Marine…. I am proud of what I do and to serve the country that I do. We are here for you and your families. We are the ones who are willing to give our lives to make your life easier and safer…. I have seen a lot of good men lose their lives because of what our beliefs are. I honor these men every day.”

Indeed, Mr. President, we all must honor these brave souls — and Marine Lance Corporal Bryan Taylor is one of them. He will be remembered as a wonderful young man, a loyal friend, and a proud Marine.

Bryan’s portrait is also located on Poster 2