Honoring a hero
BY AMY DeMELIA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Friday, November 6, 2009 2:17 AM EST
Mourners gather at Community Field in North Attleboro Thursday night for a vigil to commemorate the life of Marine Capt. Kyle Van De Giesen, a North Attleboro High School graduate who was killed in Afghanistan last week in a helicopter crash. For more photos, go to
thesunchronicle.com/photogallery. (Staff photos by Mark Stockwell)
NORTH ATTLEBORO - The field that once echoed with cheers for touchdowns thrown by his hands, was quiet Thursday as hundreds gathered in silence to remember the commitment, dedication and sacrifices of Marine Capt. Kyle Van De Giesen.
Bearing candles and small U.S. flags, mourners stood to commemorate the life of Van De Giesen, a 1998 North Attleboro High School graduate and then-star quarterback of the football team, who was killed in Afghanistan last week in a midair helicopter crash.
During the ceremony, Katie Fisher read a letter written by Ryan Van De Giesen to his brother "Ky-Ky," listing qualities like dedication and hard work that made Van De Giesen a hometown hero and idol for his little brother.
"Your wings, along with everything else, were never given, but earned through hard work," Ryan wrote, recounting the hours his brother spent studying and practicing his football plays.
"Now, you've earned your wings for the gateway to heaven."
A vigil was held at Community Field in North Attleboro for Kyle Van De Giesen, the North Attleboro High School graduate who was killed in Afghanistan last week. Kyle's football jersey number in high school and college was number 12.
Ryan recalled talking to his brother, who always dreamed of being a military pilot, upon finding out he was heading to Afghanistan for a third tour of duty.
While Ryan wished his brother did not have to go, Kyle said he was ready.
"I've got brothers over there. I have a family to protect and I have a country to serve and protect," Ryan recalled his brother saying.
He closed his letter, saying, "You are my idol and I am proud and honored to be your brother."
Van De Giesen died just a week before he was scheduled to come home, in time for the birth of his second child. In the next stage of his career, he planned to become an flight instructor at a Marine base in Arizona.
He is survived by his wife, Megan; daughter, Avery; parents, Ruth Ann and Calvin Van De Giesen; sister, Caitlin; and brothers, Ryan and Christian.
Mourners got a glimpse of Van De Giesen's love for his friends and family as snapshots of his life flickered across a big screen in a slideshow.
Picture after picture showed Van De Giesen with a huge smile, as he laughed on the beach his wife, cradled his daughter in his arms, stood wearing his St. Anselm College football jersey, held a bag full of candy while wearing a Halloween costume, clowned with friends in a dorm room and crouched in his flight suit in front of a helicopter.
Music accompanied the slideshow, including a bagpipe rendition of "The Marine's Hymn," Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" and the "Top Gun Anthem," which was Van De Giesen's favorite movie.
State Police Lt. Jeffrey Stuart, commander of the Foxboro Barracks and a Marine Corps veteran, said he often spoke to Van De Giesen about serving in the military and was impressed with the then-high school student's maturity and drive.
Community Candle Light Vigil for Captain Kyle Van De Giesen at Community Field in North Attleboro.
Once Van De Giesen fulfilled his dream of becoming a Marine pilot, Stuart recalled asking him how he liked it.
"He looked at me with such pride and contentment and said, 'I love it.' He was beaming," Stuart said. "Kyle believed in and loved his country. He was a loyal, focused and determined person."
Throughout the vigil, luminary bags glowed on the bleachers, forming the word, "Hero," while yellow ribbons tied along the field fluttered in a light breeze.
The scoreboard that once was lit with touchdowns thrown by Van De Giesen, featured a series of 12s - the number on his football jersey, which hung on the podium.
A wooden Native American statute, which normally stands at The Chieftain on Route 1, was placed on the field as a reminder of the spot where Van De Giesen liked to gather with friends, and the place he asked his future wife, Megan, to be his girlfriend.
Many came to the vigil because they knew Van De Giesen - through his family or friends- and wanted to show their support.
Peg Mahoney said Van De Giesen's death really hit home for her because her son, who played football alongside Ryan, is also in the military.
"They are a wonderful family and Kyle was a wonderful person," she said.
It was a sentiment shared by Ginny Walkins, whose daughter went to high school with Van De Giesen.
"It could have been my son - it could have been anyone's son - that's what every mother here is thinking," she said.
Paul Sullivan, who was the varsity football coach when Van De Giesen was quarterback, recalled their first meeting, saying it was clear the young man had a "reservoir of potential."
"There was something about his demeanor and the way he moved that caught your eye," Sullivan said. "His willingness to stare grave danger in the face so his team, community and country could be safe, that's Kyle's greatest gift to us.
"May the courage of Capt. Kyle Van De Giesen shine down from the heavens."
