OLD ORCHARD BEACH — One man, now 90 years old, was held prisoner by the Germans for 14 months during World War II.

Another man was held for five years by the North Vietnamese.

There were many more; many who came home and those who haven’t, whose whereabouts and fate remains unresolved. In Maine alone, their number exceeds 500.

A series of solemn ceremonies took place this weekend in this seaside town, marking the sacrifice of those who were held prisoner by the enemy and later released, and keeping forever the memories of those who were not set free and whose names remain on the rolls of the missing.

For those who served, the POW/MIA Recognition Weekend was a lump-in-the-throat kind of event that began Friday when untold numbers of motorcycles escorted a Cobra helicopter that had flown in the Vietnam War over the state line and up the Maine Turnpike to the Biddeford exit, where it made its way through the streets to Old Orchard Beach.

For two old friends, who first met in a place called Vietnam more than 40 years ago, it was the time to finally see each other again ”“ to talk about those days of war when they were young and fighting for their lives, and to talk of their lives today.

Russ Warriner, who organized the event, served in the Vietnam War from November 1967 to June 1969. He flew helicopters as crew chief, and on night mortar runs.

He made lasting friendships during those difficult days, friendships that have endured to this day.

One friend, Michael O’Connor, has been on his mind for 44 years; O’Connor was 19 years old on Feb. 4, 1968 when his Huey helicopter was shot down just north of Hue. Three other crew members were killed by gunfire and the crash. O’Connor was shot in his left shoulder and sustained numerous other injuries. He managed to evade the enemy for a day and a half before he was captured. He was held prisoner for five years and was released March 5, 1973.

The two had talked by telephone after O’Connor was released, but hadn’t seen each other since the day before O’Connor’s helicopter was shot down ”“ until Friday.

“My dream of seeing my friend after 44 years had come true,” said Warriner during the morning opening ceremony Saturday. “All I can say is, ”˜wow.’”

The two old friends were in a car behind the helicopter as it made its way to Old Orchard Beach Friday.

“We were trying to be real manly, but when we came through the streets (and the people were) applauding, it was an overwhelming experience,” said O’Connor.

O’Connor, a Massachusetts native who now lives in California, said he speaks to groups about his experiences, but finds it difficult.

“It rumbles your gut,” he said.

Imprisoned for five long years, O’Connor calls himself “lucky.”

“I was a prisoner of war,” O’Connor said, but noted others lost limbs or have emotional scars that linger today. “I’m a very lucky man.”

Out on the field, a color guard solemnly marched the colors, followed by a contingent of bagpipers in full regalia. Twin Cities Veteran’s Council Chairman Gene Foster led the ceremony, at which Maine’s first lady Ann LePage read a proclamation that designated Saturday as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Maine.

Among those recognized was Al Hills, 90, who lives in Ocean Park with his wife of 69 years, Josephine, called “Jo.” Hills, a navigator and bombardier, was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 when his B-17 was shot down over Germany. Fourteen months later, after being transferred from camp to camp, he was released. He was terribly thin, Jo recalled, when she first saw him at Fort Dix after he was returned to American soil ”“ but he had all of his limbs.

“I’ll never forget when I saw him walk down the hall,” she said.

The two were married before Al went off to war; they’d met at the wedding of his brother, Herbert, and her sister, Carol.

“He was the best man,” Jo said. “He’s still my best man.”

Warriner offered up thanks for those who attended the ceremony.

“This event is for all of my veteran brothers,” he said. “Thank you for your service and to all the prisoners of war, ”˜Welcome home.’”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, Ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.