Memorial Day is more than a barbecue, a race, or a day of leisure. Those moments of joy are part of our American life, but they should never come without a pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The freedoms we enjoy today were purchased by their sacrifice. Peoria High School alone sent 2,232 students to serve in World War II — and 86 of them never came home.
Since its establishment in 1856, Peoria High School has watched generation after generation of its students step into uniform. Over 170 years, Lions have served in every major conflict — from the Civil War and Spanish‑American War to the world wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Epic Fury. In every era, they carried our community’s values with them and served with distinction.
The stories of our alumni who served are many, and each one carries its own weight of courage and sacrifice. On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor a few of those Lions who gave their lives in service to our nation. They were classmates, neighbors, and familiar faces — people many of us knew personally, through family, or through the close ties of our Peoria community.
Peoria High School Civil War Veterans Plaque
Lt David Straesser, Class of 1932
Our first alum is Lt David Straesser. A Peoria High School Class of 1932 graduate and also attended Bradley University. He ended up working at Altorfer Bros during the Depression. He moved to Chicago and worked for Container Corporation. He heard the President address the nation on the radio right after Pearl Harbor and soon was drafted into the Army. His assignment was Field Artillery. Within seven months of being in the Army he is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant as an artillery officer.
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In all of this his mother knew he loved to write. He left a history in his writings that we all can appreciate. His niece, Janice Annabel Shively Basset, has compiled an incredible account of his journey from his early days in Peoria to his being drafted into the Army. His travels and deployment to the European Theater of Operations are described through letters. David's letters leave a trail of his life and times right up to the point where he was killed. He was a decorated soldier. Lt Straesser was awarded the Silver Star for combat actions. You can read his heroics in the book "Love Dave". He died shortly after.
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The book, "Love, Dave" will give you a look into his journey through some troubling times in America and its entry in World War II....and much more! Check it out! Available on Amazon.
The Silver Star Medal was awarded to Lt David Straesser posthumously. The citation reads as follows:
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​THE SILVER STAR CITATION
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"For gallantry in action in Germany on 2 and 3 March 1945. As the enemy launched a fierce counter-attack in strength, Lieutenant Straesser took up an exposed position in the top floor of a building and called for artillery fire on the advancing enemy. His position was immediately subjected to intense enemy small-arms, motor, and artillery fire. Although shell fragments destroyed his radio and tore the map from his hands, he refused to relinquish his position, using a rifle company radio to direct and adjust artillery fire with such accuracy that the enemy assault was halted and routed. Lt Straesser's singular gallantry and fearless intrepidity in the face-off great peril were in keeping with the finest traditions of the American combat soldier, reflecting distinct credit on this officer and the Armed Forces of the United States."
Lt David Straesser's ribbon rack and badges
Top Row: L to R- Silver Star; Purple Heart; Combat Infantry Badge
Middle Row: (L to R) Expert Shooting Badge; World War Two Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal
Bottom Row: (L to R) Presidential Unit Citation; Good Conduct Medal; European African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
Janice Annabel Shively Bassett
Captain Kirk I. Riley, USMC, Class of 1957
Kirk RIley, Crest Photo, 1957
Kirk Riley was a 1957 graduate of Peoria High School. He was well known by all. He was a very good swimmer helping to set a school record in the 200 yard freestyle event. The team went on to place seventh at the Swimming State Finals.
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Kirk went on to serve his country as a helicopter pilot flying a UH-34D in the United States Marine Corps. The narrative below states what happened that day he lost his life in service of his country. He remains were not revered until after the war and brought back to Peoria for proper burial.
Right: this plaque hangs in the main hallway in honor of Kirk Riley's service to his country during the Vietnam war.
USMC Pilot Wings and Medals
On December 3, 1965, a flight of six UH-34D's from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM 364) were carrying a full complement of ARVN troops whose destination was an outpost known as Hiep Duc, just west of Tam Ky. The entire area was noted for being a very “hot spot.” CAPT Kirk I. Riley and his crew were the lead aircraft, #148762. The following is a personal account by Ken Gross of the loss of Riley’s aircraft: “We tried to go in as high as possible, though we were limited by somewhat low ceilings, which may have placed us approximately 2000 feet above ground level. The flight was in normal cruise when the Viet Cong fired on us with time delay fused mortars. Unfortunately, CAPT Riley's aircraft received a direct hit in the belly, where the fuel tanks were located, and they never stood a chance. CAPT Riley tried desperately to get the aircraft on the ground, but it was burning so fiercely he appeared to lose control and the aircraft rolled inverted and crashed. No one survived.” The lost crew included Aircraft Commander Riley, co-pilot 1LT Stanley G. Johnson, crew chief CPL Robert H. White, and gunner CPL Warren L. Dempsey. In addition to the four crewmembers, there were nine ARVN troops aboard the aircraft. Neither the bodies nor the aircraft were recovered. (Narrative by Kenneth L. Gross, Maj. USMCR, Ret.) [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and popasmoke.com]
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Editors note: Capt Riley's remains were discovered many years later after the Vietnam War and brought home to Peoria. His remains were buried at St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria.
KIRK I RILEY is on the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, DC. His name is positioned at Panel 3E, Line 122
UH-34D
The Golf Outing is Here:
Registration is Open!
(closing May 26th!)
Peoria High School
Alumni Association
Golf Outing
Friday, May 29, 2026
Check in: 11:30am!
Shotgun Start: 1:00pm!
Mt Hawley Country Club
with a dinner at Barrack's Cater Inn to follow honoring Coach Phil Salzer
Join us for a special at the Barrack's event honoring Coach Salzer! For those who may not be golfing, please visit the registration page and the $25.00 dinner box featuring Coach Salzer's picture. We look forward to celebrating!
We need sponsors for the Golf Outing- Interested? Give the Alumni Office a call!
309-682-4854
Mailing a Check? Download the forms you need.
Coach Salen Herke
Please take a minute to donate!
We don't have a membership fee...we exist due to your donations.
You are what makes us go! Just hit the donate button below or scan the QR code.
For you Tech Savvy Lions, This QR code will take you to year long PayPal donation page to PHSAA
or
Mail a check to:
Peoria High School Alumni Association
1615 N North St
Peoria, IL. 61604
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PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – EIN: 37-1267248
Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Established in 1856, Peoria High School is the largest oldest high school
in continuous operation West of The Allegheny Mountains
Athletic Hall of Fame 2026
The Peoria High School Alumni Association hosted the Athletic Hall of Fame on April 25, 2026 in the foyer at PHS. It was a great event with many of the inductees coming back to take part. Approximately 130 people attended the event where 14 individuals and one 4 x 400 Relay team were inducted.
Kirk Wessler '73 was our emcee for the event and did a fantastic job with the history and background of the athletes being inducted. A little story telling and some fun was had by all. The conversations with all of our inductees and family was truly inspiring. The stories flowed and the connection to this great school was once again renewed.
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A few of our inductees were unable to make the event but we still read their induction citation and celebrated their accomplishments.
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This year we were able to use the PHS video class to interview and record the event. We hope to get a product out on a YouTube channel for all to watch. Thank you to all!
The Alumni Association is excited to give a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful coaches, families, and friends who helped make event a spectacular celebration for our outstanding athletes! It was truly a joy to see all the families in attendance—your support makes Peoria High School a beloved cornerstone of our community! We can't wait to come back soon with even more deserving athletes.
If you have an athlete or team to nominate for review and selection, please provide as much detailed verifiable information as possible. Let’s keep the enthusiasm going!
Peoria High School Honors Day
May 7, 2026
Peoria High School celebrated an incredible Annual Honors Day Program in the Main Gym, and what remarkable event it was! A total of 41 outstanding students were awarded scholarships from the Association, paving the way for their exciting new journeys in higher education and trades. We are thrilled to also honor scholarships from the Community Foundation, established by PHS Alumni before our Association took shape. The Alumni Association couldn't be prouder to our amazing graduates, especially the recipients of the Earl and Lovie Beard Scholarship, generously endowed by Dr. Earl Beard, a proud 1941 PHS Graduate. This scholarship recognizes exceptional in the sciences, including fields like computer science, medicine, environmental science, physical therapy, and nursing. What a fantastic opportunity for our bright future leaders!
50's Buick Roadster convertible. What a few of us would give to have one today!
The ads from the Crests over the years provide a glimpse into life at PHS over the years.
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I'll bet a few of you remember the Bellevue Drive-in?!
The Drive-in was around into the late 70's
Seriously...how many people could you get in your trunk to sneak into the drive-in?
1953 Studebaker Commander....quite a car for its day!
The Peoria High School Alumni Association Facebook Feed
