MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines and sailors honored service members who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action during a Morning Colors Ceremony at the base flagpole Sept. 20, 2013.
Carol Hickerson was the guest of honor and told her story to everyone in attendance.
Hickerson was formerly married to Stephen Hanson, a Marine CH-46 Sea Knight pilot that was shot down and deemed MIA in South Vietnam on June 3, 1967. Hickerson became one of the founding members of the National League of Families of America’s Prisoners of War and Missing in Action in Southeast Asia. Her goal, as a member of the organization, was to open the public’s eyes to the problem of POW mistreatment.
During the ceremony, Hickerson spoke about experiences of her journey increasing awareness to the horrific situations POWs suffered.
She hand wrote more than 400 newspapers across the country to get the word out about POWs and MIA. After she wrote to the newspapers, she received responses from wives and family members who were in similar situations. Hickerson thought if more Americans became aware, the prisoners would be more valuable to North Vietnam and receive better treatment. She said all of the effort was worth it because it worked. Hickerson said the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command identified the remains of her husband several years later in 1999.
“They say that once a Marine always a Marine,” Hickerson said. “But I believe that once a Marine wife, you’re always a Marine wife.”
After the POW/MIA flag rose in the air, Hickerson said she holds that dear to her heart.
“We will never forget,” said Col. Brian P. Annichiarico, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “It’s because of people like Carole Hickerson that we gather to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band marched around the audience and placed themselves next to the flag to play before it was raised. The band continued playing music while attendees paid their respects.
During the ceremony, Hickerson and Annichiarico brought a wreath to the base of the flagpole in remembrance of all those who did not make the return trip home. The ceremony finished with the MarForPac Band playing “Anchors Aweigh” and “The Marines’ Hymn.”
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs there have been 142,246 service members and civilians captured in wars participated in by the United States, and 17,010 men and women died in captivity. To this day there is one POW, Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who remains under Taliban control.