Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you around Patriot Park in Del City, Oklahoma. This is a Blue Star Memorial which serves as a tribute to the Armed Forces of the United States of America. There are six memorials to various branches within this park. This memorial includes Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Panama, World War I, World War II, Lebanon/Grenada, and Korea.

Blue Star Memorial (Marker Transcription)

“A tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America. Sponsored by the Midwest City Council of Garden Clubs in cooperation with The City of Del City and Del City Beautification Committee.”

Del City War Memorial

M114-A1

The Armored Command Carrier below is a M114-A1 built in 1962. It was manufactured by the Cadillac Motor Division. Only 3095 of theses machines were made. Four combat soldiers would sit inside and they could move up to 36 mph. They weighed 15,276 pounds and were powered by a Chevy 283 V-8 motor. They saw limited duty in Vietnam was mostly used in service in Europe.

Del City Park Mausoleum

Don Reynolds – Historical Marker Transcription

(Front of historical marker)

Don Reynolds

“To use his own words, “It is right, reasonable and proper” that we honor Don Reynolds known to many as “Mr. Del City” and “The Hug Master.” His philosophy of life was: “It is better to do things for other people, not to them;” and that “the Lord likes me when I work, but He loves me when I serve.”

Don’s life was one of dedicated service to fellow citizens. His warmth for humanity exuded from him. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his wife, Lois, and his daughters, Donna and Marilyn. He loved young people, and his advice to them was to “work hard, meet you responsibilities, reach your goals, and once you reach yours, help someone else reach theirs, then give someone a hug today.”

He truly was one of a kind, serving as a Sunday School teacher for 40 years, and the greatest example of unselfishness we will ever see.

Don Reynolds left a legacy for Rose State College and Del City, serving as the first City Manager, and later as Mayor and City Councilman. But more than that, he left a legacy for everyone who knew him.”

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(Back of historical marker)

Don Reynolds

First its Manager of Del City 1955-1959

Mayor of Del City 1964-1969

City Councilman 1959-1963

Regent, Rose State College 1971-2001

Sunday School Teacher (Sunnylane United Methodist Church Homebuilders Class) 1961-2001

President, Del City Chamber of Commerce

President, Del City Historical Society

President, Del City Lions Club

32nd Degree Mason, Del City Lodge #536

Chairman, First National Bank of Del City

U.S. Army Major, World War II and Korea

National Task Force Commission for the American Nuclear Attack Defense Plan (Appointed by President Jimmy Carter)

Women’s Veterans Monument

City Hall (c. 1948-1950)

This little building is next to the Patriot Park and served as the City Hall building for Del City from 1948-1950.

Concluding Thoughts

I stumbled across this park when I was traveling for work and felt honored to be able to walk through it. The monuments dedicated to the veterans of Del City serve as a reminder that freedom isn’t free. I am thankful every single day for the sacrifice our military members and families make serving the United States.

I encourage you to stop by and pay respects if you see one of these memorials when you are out and about traveling.

I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂

Visit

Patriot Park

4505 S.E. 15th Street

Del City, OK 73115

Sources

Plaques in Patriot Park

“Women’s Veteran Monument.” City of Del City website.

“Del City, Oklahoma Patriot Park Memorials.” American Legion website.