VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A wreath was placed at the Vance base flag pole in memory of those held as prisoners of war and those still missing in action, during a retreat ceremony held in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept. 18. 

Placing the wreath were Col. Chris Nowland, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander here, and Fran Hoad, an Enid resident and World War II POW. Mr. Hoad was on his 13th bombing run when he was shot down, captured and held in a German Prison Camp, Stalag Luft 2, for 13 months. 

The wreath of red and white flowers symbolized the sacrifice and purity of those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard who have been held as prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action, said Tech. Sgt. David Lenamond, the ceremony narrator. 

After the wreath was placed, taps was played. Then four aircraft - a T-1A Jayhawk, a T-6A Texan II and two T-38 Talons, all training aircraft assigned to the Flying Training Squadrons on base -- performed a flyby over the flag pole. 

Retreat then sounded followed by the national anthem. During the anthem, Vance's Silver Talon Honor Guard lowered and folded the POW/MIA and United States flag. 

The formation of Team Vance members attending the ceremony was then dismissed.