State and local dignitaries, accompanied by many veterans and family members of the inductees, led a ‘Del City High School Remembrance and Wall of Honor Induction’ on May 3 at the new Kalsu Plaza, at his namesake DCHS stadium. The significant community presence was a testament to the collective respect and honor for our fallen heroes, showcasing the community’s active role in the ceremony.
When a statue memorializing Army 1st Lt. James Robert (Bob) Kalsu was unveiled March 29, on Vietnam War era Veterans Day last year, his wife Jan remarked he would have asked, “What about the other Del City students who died in Vietnam?”
On May 5 of this year, the other seven DCHS alumni killed in action during the Vietnam War were commemorated on the Robert Kalsu Stadium’s new Wall of Honor. This Wall of Honor, located in the plaza adjacent to his statue, serves as a permanent tribute to these brave soldiers.
A Del City football star, Kalsu, gave up a promising NFL career after starring at OU by showing his patriotism in honoring his commitment to serve in the U.S. Army. He lost his life in service to his country in Vietnam.
Seven of his fellow students now have bronze plaques on the Wall of Honor, each telling a unique and poignant story of their lives and military service. These personal narratives serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave DCHS students, fostering a sense of connection and empathy from all who will view them.
The United States Marine Corps is represented by 1st Lt. Tom Burton (Class of 1962), Lance Cpls. Jimmy Mullins (Class of 1965), Ricky Sanders (Class of 1966) and Leslie Jones (Class of 1967). The United States Army is represented by Capt. Mike Hope (Class of 1958), Pfcs. Michael Saunders and Gary Parsons (both Class of 1965).
“It is always an honor and humbling experience to attend events honoring our fallen heroes,” said retired USN Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, former undersecretary of the Navy. “It was especially gratifying to be invited to the recent Dedication/Remembrance Wall of Honor ceremony at Dec City High School. Under the leadership of retired Navy Captain John Keilty, all Del City students who answered the call to serve and were killed in action in Vietnam were honored. These young men walked the halls, played on fields around campus and learned in the classrooms.”
Each inductee was enshrined with a bronze plaque detailing their life and service during the solemn ceremony held that Saturday afternoon. These plaques serve as a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of these fallen heroes, inspiring future generations of DCHS students with their courage and sacrifice while instilling a sense of inspiration and respect.
The Robert Kalsu Legacy Group was co-founded by Mid-Del School Board Member Gina Standridge and Oklahoma State Rep. Andy Fugate, with the support of many other patriotic community leaders. The Legacy Group raised $200K for the statue and plaques. MTM Recognition of Del City cast the statue and plaques, and Willowbrook Construction built the pedestal. The Mid-Del District Maintenance Department installed the new Wall of Honor.
Kalsu graduated from DCHS in 1963, was an All-American at the University of Oklahoma and an All-Rookie Team member for the Buffalo Bills. He became the only active NFL player to die in the Vietnam War.
“I believe the Memorial Plaza at the main gate of the football field is a fitting location for The Wall of Honor,” Slavonic said in an interview. “It will remind students, parents, relatives, friends and anyone coming to an event at the Del City High School Eagles football field how proud the high school is of the sacrifice of these former students who were young and proud to wear the cloth of their nation in time of conflict.”
Additionally, Captain Keilty reached out to the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation (OMHF) to establish the OMHF Del City Robert Kalsu Chapter as part of its Hall of Honor.
The “Hall of Honor” will be located at the Del City Community Center. The Hall will honor the 22 Del City citizens who died in military service from World War II to Iraqi Freedom.
“Hopefully, other communities will follow Del City in recognizing their citizen veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country,” Slavonic said. The Del City Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion played a crucial role in organizing and conducting the ceremony, partnered with Legacy Group, and Del City Navy Junior ROTC members as the honor guard.
“The day was special for 17 Del City Navy Junior ROTC students who participated in the presentation of our nation’s colors and the reading of the individual citations,” Keilty said in an interview. “A special thanks goes out to all the Del City service organizations and the city of Del City, including the proud members of our VFW, who stood outside the plaza for the whole ceremony to provide a rendering of honors at the end.”
story/photo by Darl Devault, contributing editor
