Whelan family to walk in memory of James Foley and others wrongfully detained

Team “Free Paul Whelan” will be walking in Manchester on Saturday morning to bring awareness to the plight of Americans detained unlawfully in other countries, including (and especially) Paul Whelan. Photo courtesy of the Whelan family.

by Marsha Chartrand

On Saturday, October 14, Rosemary and Ed Whelan and several friends and family members will be participating in a James Foley Run/Walk in Manchester.

James Wright Foley, who died in captivity in Syria in August 2014, was an American journalist and video reporter. Working as a freelance war correspondent during the Syrian Civil War, he was abducted in northwestern Syria, and was later murdered by decapitation, purportedly as a response to American airstrikes in Iraq. He thus became the first American citizen killed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation was formed to publicly advocate for the freedom of all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.

“This is the ninth year of the Foley Run/Walk which is done by people all over the world,” explains Rosemary Whelan, mother of Paul Whelan, who has been wrongfully imprisoned for nearly five years in Russia. “Funds are raised by the walkers/runners who have previously made a nominal donation and received a T-shirt. In some places there are large groups of participants, in other places a few; but people walk or run however they wish — a long way, a short way — but remembering Jim Foley and all wrongfully detained people, like our son Paul.

“Ed and I walked in Manchester last year, joined by about eight friends (primarily retired librarians from A2 District Library). We are all planning to walk this year, carrying our placards with Paul’s photo.”

Rosemary Whelan emphasized that participation in the Manchester Run/Walk does not involve donations or anything of the sort, but rather a thought for Jim’s memory and for Paul who is still detained in the gulag in Russia, “just for awareness (and hope).”

It is hoped that Rep. Debbie Dingell, who has been very supportive of efforts to secure Paul Whelan’s release, will be able to join the group, but that has not been confirmed yet due to the uncertainty of her schedule in Washington. Watch for updated announcements throughout the week.

The Walk is scheduled to start on Ann Arbor Hill at about 9:30am and proceed through downtown Manchester. Your support, presence, and good thoughts are appreciated by all of the participants.

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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.