Blake Moore: “I thank Representative Hern for leading this entire session and the opportunity to close. Madam Speaker, I rise today to…”

“I thank Representative Hern for leading this entire session and the opportunity to close. Madam Speaker, I rise today to close today's session by remembering the sacrifice and heroism of Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover who bravely gave his life while defending Abbey Gate from violent extremists in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Staff Sergeant Hoover knew he wanted to be a marine. At the time of his death, Staff Sergeant Hoover had served as a marine for 11 years and was on his third tour in Afghanistan. In Utah we have been devastated by this news. On Sunday after the attacks, I joined hundreds of Utahns gathered at the State capitol for a memorial vigil to honor Staff Sergeant Hoover. I also attended his funeral service before being laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and was overwhelmed by memories shared by his family and friends. He was treasured, loved, and admired, and he gave all for our freedoms. Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover will rightly be remembered as a hero in the Halls of Congress, in Utah, and across the Nation that he served.”