Happy Birthday, Paul Whelan

Paul Whelan, photo courtesy of the Whelan family.

“BIRTHDAYS”

submitted by Rosemary and Ed Whelan

The years roll by, but the one date every year which stays in one’s mind, whether young or old, is one’s birthday. Imagine being in a Gulag/Penal Colony in Russia, knowing that at least your family will send cards in plenty of time for your birthday.

Paul loves his birthdays, but in 2023 he did not receive one single card. In December 2022 he was given 124 pieces of mail. In July 2023, some mail but nothing since  the previous December. In January 2024 he received three Christmas cards from England. Nothing since the previous July. In February  2024, he received 196 pieces of mail, some dating back to 2022.

Last week, Paul asked if we would thank all of the kind folk who have written to him or sent cards since he has been at the  Penal Colony IK17, Mordovia, Russia as he is sure they wonder why he has not replied to them.

Somewhere, masses of his mail are accumulating. We know that the prison authorities hold mail on a whim, as well as other spiteful actions, for no reason.

Please don’t give up on writing to him or sending a card or a drawing. He will be happy to hear any local news or about the weather. A Domestic US postage stamp is all that is needed as the mail goes via Washington, DC. Paul will be 54 on March 5th, and even if the mail gets delayed, he will be overjoyed when it does arrive.

Address:  American Citizen Services Unit (PNW)
Consular Section
5430 Moscow Place
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-5430

Thank you for your support, from Ed and Rosemary Whelan.

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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.