Manchester makes the TV news!

Worth Repeating volunteers show their support for Paul Whelan’s quick and safe return to his home state.

by Marsha Chartrand

Paul Whelan has been in captivity in Russia for 1,620 days now. And his family, friends, and the community of Manchester are still waiting for his release.

Yellow ribbons on trees, light poles, store entryways, and other creative placements have kept him front of mind for local people who know Paul and his family, especially his parents, Rosemary and Ed Whelan, but many are still unaware of Paul’s situation and may wonder why the ribbons are adorning the town.

Channel 4 News reporter Rod Meloni spoke to David Whelan, family spokesperson and Paul’s twin brother, last week, who told him, “I would like to mention our gratitude for the people of Manchester, Michigan, and their support of Paul. … There’s been a campaign to put up yellow ribbons around the village there.” So Meloni decided to come out and see for himself. He visited the downtown area and, sure enough, found the town “festooned with tawny bows everywhere; even on the side streets.”

Meloni talked with Charlotte Major, who had spearheaded the idea of a yellow ribbon campaign back in January, when it seemed hopeful that Paul could return home soon in the aftermath of Brittney Greiner’s release. He also heard from volunteers at Worth Repeating, who have supported the ongoing yellow ribbon campaign all along.

A subsequent story aired on Channel 4 described a recent interview Paul held with CNN, which expressed his confidence that “the wheels are turning. … I just wish they would turn a little more quickly,” noting that the most recent negotiations seem to be getting both himself and Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich released together. With Gershkovich accused of espionage, the Whelans fear this could mean a longer path to freedom for Paul, rather than getting him home sooner.

Whelan ended the CNN interview with a plea to President Biden: “Please follow through with your promises and commitments, truly make my life a priority, and get me home.”

We couldn’t have said it better here in Manchester.

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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.