R.I.P., Dana Taylor, Vietnam Veteran...

The following was received from a prayer list that is run by our friend in New Hampshire... 

"...informed me Dana Taylor, our well-known and liked, former Selectman [Richmond, NH], passed away after a long illness.  Dana suffered from wounds received during combat in the Viet Nam War.  Please pray for the repose of his soul.  Dana died shortly after 3:00 p.m. today.  Kindly pray at least one Hail Mary for this good man and for his family."

I should note at the outset of my missive, that whoever is wounded for bravery during combat, is awarded the Purple Heart, (first instituted during the Revolutionary War by General George Washington).

Here is some interesting information about the original purpose of the award of the Purple Heart from the Encyclopedia Britannica...

"Purple Heart, the first U.S. military decoration, instituted by General George Washington in 1782 and awarded for bravery in action. The records show that only three men received it during the American Revolution, all of them noncommissioned officers. Two of these coveted badges still exist. The original medal, sewn onto the coat, was simply a purple heart-shaped piece of cloth edged with silver braid. Although this was the medal of honor of the Revolution, it seems to have been forgotten for about 150 years. The 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth marked the revival of the award (February 22, 1932)."

As you can see, the Purple Heart was presented to those for bravery in action, and today, it is presented to those who have been wounded in action.  I contend that being wounded in action, obviously means that the G.I. who was wounded, was also brave!

Having said that, most who have been wounded in action, would deny that they are brave or heroes, but were only doing what had to be done.  In other words, they did their job... To their brothers-in-arms, however, who were saved by the actions of their wounded brother, he was brave; he was a hero -- to them, at least!

From my own recollection of Dana, I remember his shaggy hair and beard; his severe limp from the wounds to his leg.  On one occasion, after Sunday Mass, at the St. Joseph hall, packed as usual for brunch, Dana and his wife, Mary, came through the door into the hall.   At that point every one cheered and gave him a standing ovation!!  I could see his countenance light-up!   His disfigured leg and the pain it caused him, disappeared, at least momentarily... 

Dana always stood up and supported the St. Benedict Center when doing his selectman duties, as there was much antagonism from some of the other selectmen toward the Center, and the practicing Catholics who formed the little, tight-nit community in the beautiful woods of rural New Hampshire... 

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 4;8: "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." (King James Version.)

Dana showed much charity toward those at the Center in the face of heavy criticism from his fellow selectmen; he did his job, as all heroes do...

Rest In Peace, my brother...

Pray for strength and honor, and please say a prayer for Dana Taylor...

Viva Cristo Rey!  Bl. Fr. Miguel Pro, pray for us...

Gene DeLalla