PFC Daniel G. Dolan: Baptism of Desire

Mourners entering St. Rose of Lima Church for Dolan’s funeral couldn’t help but see the teddy bear holding a small American flag sitting on the edge of the baptismal font. It was a tribute to Dolan, little more than a boy, who’d given his life in the service of his country. Outside, jets from Hill Air Force Base flew over the church as a flag was removed from his gray casket and the white pall, the traditional symbol of Catholic baptism replaced it.

The church was nearly full. Many of Dolan’s high school friends and teachers were there. Members of St. Rose of Lima Parish were there, and the full parish choir, led by Alfonso Tenreiro, was there, even though it was a week day. Two members of the choir wore the uniforms of the United States Air Force. The parish’s Knights of Columbus showed up in force, standing in line beside the military honor guard.

"There were many non-Catholics there," Msgr. Bonnell said. "But when members of the parish, the choir, the ushers, and the knights heard about Dan, they came, too. It was remarkable.

Dolan’s family chose the readings from the Book of Wisdom and from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. The words were filled with consolation and hope.

The Gospel was from St. John, Chapter 14: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me."

Msgr. Bonnell said the readings were most appropriate for Dolan’s funeral, and he invited all present to, "leave the noise and the busyness and the control; the strident claims and the demonstrations outside, and come into the church to pray and talk to God from the fullness of your hearts."

He explained the multiple reasons for Catholic funeral liturgies: to worship God, to pray for the repose of Dolan’s soul, and to offer comfort and support to his family and friends.

"When Dan went off to war, he prayed for a safe return," Msgr. Bonnell said. "He was aware of the dangers... and a terrible act of war put an end to his life. We know from those who were with him that he acted bravely, even after he was hurt."

Remember that a short life is better than no life, and that to be born is to share in God’s eternal life, said Msgr. Bonnell.

He recalled that a friend of Dan’s had said Dan lived life well and lived each day well.

"Tomorrow is not guarantee. Jesus gave his life on the cross for us. He taught us that each life is precious, and he gave his life so all may be redeemed."

Msgr. Bonnell said Dolan "gave his life for his country and for all of us. In his short life, he was a winner."

A heavy cross remains on the shoulder’s of Dolan’s family, but they have the knowledge that Dan "gained peace in the kingdom," Msgr. Bonnell said.

At the close of Mass, Msgr. Bonnell spoke of the importance of water as a symbol of baptism, "the baptism he was striving for," before sprinkling Dolan’s casket with holy water.

Dolan joined the U.S. Army Sept. 22, 2005, and completed basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. In January 2006 he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash, assigned to 1/23 INF 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team Tomahawks. His unit was deployed to Iraq June 28.

Dolan enjoyed hockey, playing for the Golden Spike Hockey Association, Roy High School, the Utah Stars, and the Northern Utah Independent High School Hockey Team. He also enjoyed snowboarding, baseball, and cars.

Dolan is survived by his parents and a sister, Michelle Lynn, of Roy; a grandfather, John H. Andrus, Layton; aunts and uncles, Alice (Mike) Hayden, Hamburg, N.Y., Mary Dolan, Bernard Dolan, Maureen (George) Vegas, and Thomas (Cheri) Dolan, all of Buffalo, N.Y., Lori (Mike) Harrington, Orchard Park, N.Y., Raylene (Ed) Corgiat, Lake Clear, N.Y., Darlene (David) West, South Jordan, Diana (Earle) Roberts, England, Paul (Marla) Andrus, Helena, Mont., Timmy Andrus, Layton, Jim Andrus, Fruit Heights, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo F., Dolan Sr., and Marilyn I. Dolan, Annie W. Andrus and three uncles.

There was a memorial service Sept 7 at 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Chapel with Chaplain LtC. Brent Jones officiating.

Interment was at Roy City Cemetery with full military honors.

Dolan’s family had the following poem read at his memorial service, printed in his obituary, and printed on his funeral program:

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who preserves the freedom of the press. And it is the soldier, not the poet who protects of freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who puts his life on the line to give others the freedom to demonstrate. And it is the soldier who salutes the flag, who served beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who protects the protesters’ right to burn the flag.

Freedom is never free.

Father Dennis O’Brien, USMC

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of PFC Daniel G. Dolan to the United Service Organization (USO) P.O. Box 8069, Topeka, Kan. 66608. E-mail condolences to the family at lrm@lindquistmortuary.com.