Yellow ribbon project for Paul Whelan

Edward and Rosemary Whelan (Paul’s parents) participated in the annual James W. Foley Freedom Run in 2020 as part of team “Free Paul Whelan.“ The event is held each October to benefit the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, honoring an American journalist who was held captive for two years in Syria before being murdered by his captors. The Whelans walked here in Manchester with some of Rosemary’s friends from the Ann Arbor District Library, hoping to draw attention to Paul’s plight.

by Marsha Chartrand

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree“ may not be as familiar a song as it once was, but most people recognize the yellow ribbon as a long-standing symbol of support for an absent or missing loved one.

Especially during the Gulf War, there was a profusion of yellow ribbons to welcome home troops. A similar project was done in 1981 to welcome home US hostages after 444 days’ captivity in Iran.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022, marked the anniversary of the fourth year of imprisonment for Paul Whelan. As negotiations continue, the Whelan family here in the US has observed two Americans returned home through prisoner swaps. Another person who had been “detained“ in Russia for the last nine months was released via Poland on Thursday of last week. Yet Paul continues to mark his days (a total of 1,480 as of Monday, January 16) away from his family.

More than one concerned Manchester resident has wondered how to support Paul and his family here in Manchester, and a conclusion was reached to start a grassroots yellow ribbon campaign.

Those who would like to show their support can hang a yellow ribbon or bow in their yard, on their door, or “around the ole oak tree“ — anywhere a bow or ribbon can be displayed. Photos of this support can be sent to Paul to show him that he is being supported in his parents’ community.

“I remember tying ribbons around the telephone pole in front of our house when Paul was in Iraq,“ says Rosemary Whelan, Paul’s mother. “In the last few months, when I have had to go out of town, I have been surprised to see Ukrainian flags or posters. There were enough that one gave a thought as to why they were there. So if people wish to join in the yellow ribbon project, there would be an additional reminder of Paul’s plight.“

If you are interested in assisting with or organizing this project, please contact the Mirror at (734) 328-1386 and leave a voicemail to offer your help and support. Those who are currently participating hope to locate a place where donated yellow ribbons can be collected and distributed.

Let’s keep up the momentum of support for Paul Whelan’s release from Russian imprisonment. And further support can be shared by sending mail to him at the updated address below (the US Embassy in Moscow has requested a slightly shorter version of the address going forward):

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.