The small Michigan community of Manchester, where American Paul Whelan's parents live, has prayed for Paul's release from a prison in Russia. Now they are relieved that day has come.
In a historic prisoner swap between Russia and the United States was finalized, 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 released as well. Whelan graduated from Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His parents moved to the small town of Manchester in western Washtenaw County, where the community has been hoping and praying for Paul's release.
'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.
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