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NORTH OGDEN — The widow of Maj. Brent Taylor will be attending President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol, according to Rep. Rob Bishop’s office.
Taylor, 39, a father of seven, was killed in November while serving in Afghanistan with Utah's Army National Guard. During his deployment, Taylor had taken a leave of absence from his position as mayor of North Ogden.
His wife, Jennie Taylor, will be seated in the House gallery as Trump addresses the joint session of Congress as a guest of Bishop, R-Utah.
The following day, Bishop will host a reception in Washington, D.C., to honor Jennie Taylor and her husband. Additional members of Utah’s congressional delegation are expected to be in attendance, Bishop’s office said.
Lee Lonsberry, Bishop's spokesman, said generally members of Congress may invite a guest to attend the State of the Union speech.
"Considering the great sacrifice of Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor and the entire family, this is a small way to show gratitude for that sacrifice," he said.
Jennie Taylor and her family were also honored Wednesday night with a standing ovation during Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's State of the State speech.
The Taylors joined the families of other Utah people who were killed in the line of the duty during 2018: West Valley code enforcement officer Jill Robinson, Draper Fire Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett, South Salt Lake police officer David Romrell and Provo police officer Joseph Shinners.
Contributing: Amy Joi O'Donoghue
