WHITE HOUSE COMMISSION ON REMEMBRANCE
Frances Barker Hickox

A student from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Frances Barker Hickox was majoring in both French and history. She participated in Columbia University’s Summer Session Abroad in Paris, France and then returned to Paris for a semester following her internship at the White House Commission on Remembrance. In the past, Frances was part of Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP). She belonged to the Yale Entrepreneurial Society and tutored at-risk children through SPRK. Frances (who uses the name “Barker”) participated in a dance repertoire (in ballet, jazz, and modern) as well as the National Dance Institute. She also speaks Spanish and Italian. Frances applied to the Washington Internship Program in late March of 2006 requesting the Embassy of France or the Embassy of Canada, but her dates of availability (July through mid August) were problematic for these choices. Frances also requested an internship in advertising and / or government. The Washington Internship Program placed her at the White House Commission on Remembrance.

As one of three interns, Frances was able to design her own position creating product ideas to market for the organization. To commemorate the National Moment of Remembrance, the White House Commission on Remembrance was considering giving neckties to senators, congressmen, and other dignitaries as a way to draw attention to the contribution made by American veterans. Frances arranged for these ties bearing the Commission insignia and explored bandanas for dogs among other promotional gifts that she researched. In addition to this project, Frances attended a memorial ceremony at the Marine Corps Memorial (popularly called the Iwo Jima Memorial) from World War II. In connection with the War in Iraq, Frances logged in the new deaths of U.S. soldiers. She edited letters and drafted correspondence to military leaders and families that lost loved-ones.

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