Hundreds attend vigil for captured soldier
Thursday, July 23, 2009 10:28 AM PDT
HAILEY (AP) — More than 500 people attended a vigil Wednesday night for an Idaho soldier who was captured in Afghanistan by the Taliban.
The hourlong event was held in Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl’s small hometown of Hailey, in central Idaho. It started at the coffee shop where he worked before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2008, and ended at a nearby park.
‘‘Everyone has been talking about it and trying to show their support — bringing flowers for the family, bringing notes, thinking about him,’’ said Suzanne Buchanan, who went to the vigil with her husband and three children. ‘‘We’re just in shock this is happening here.’’
Many attendees wore yellow ribbons and daisies, carried signs or arrived on bicycles to show their support for Bergdahl, who often biked around town.
Bergdahl’s parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, and his older sister, Sky, have kept a low-profile since his capture and did not attend the event.
‘‘They’re doing about as well as anybody can expect them to do,’’ said Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, a spokesman for the Idaho National Guard who has been in daily contact with the family.
‘‘It’s very difficult for them and all members of their family. I would say that they’re staying as upbeat as they possibly could.
‘‘The community support that they’ve gotten and what they’re going to see tonight is going to hopefully buoy their spirits even more,’’ Marsano said.
