In a landmark prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States, American and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan was finally released after more than five years in detention in Russia. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was also released.
Whelan, who graduated from Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, had his parents move to the small town of Manchester in western Washtenaw County. The community had been hoping and praying for Paul’s release, and that day has finally arrived.
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“I was hoping it was the truth and when I got it confirmed, it was just like my heart melted. I was so happy,” said Manchester resident Virginia Johnson.
On Thursday, Mayor Patricia Vailliencourt called City Manager Michael Sessions to share the news they’d all been waiting for.
“I know the community has been strong in wanting to make sure that Rosemary and Ed have that support and have that place to call home and Manchester is that place to call home and I believe our community really showed that to the Whelans through this process,” Sessions told Scripps News Detroit.
Leslie Kirkland came to know Paul’s parents several years ago after she opened up Manchester Diner downtown on Adrian Street. It’s also where a customer came in early Thursday morning to share the good news.
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Kirkland said, “One of our regulars came in and was like, ‘Hey, I just got a notice on my phone that they released Paul Whelan!’ and I was like, what?”
Kirkland said it’s been difficult seeing Paul’s parents over the last few years as they’ve witnessed the hope of their son’s potential release come and go.
“It broke my heart,” Kirkland said. “Over the years seeing them, there’s always some … a sadness about them, you know, but they were always smiling.”
Rosemary and Ed Whelan are well-known in Manchester for their volunteer work. Since their son has been imprisoned in Russia, yellow ribbons were tied to trees in the downtown area, symbolizing hope that he’d be back home soon.
Kirkland said, “It’s just going to be great to actually take them down. Maybe they (Rosemary and Ed) will be the ones to take them down.”
This story was originally published by Kimberly Craig at Scripps News Detroit.
