UNDERHILL, Vt. — The sleepy mountain town that is home of hostage Capt. Richard Phillips was awash in yellow ribbons yesterday, as his family’s friends and neighbors came together to show their concern.
“I’m showing my support with the family and the community,” said Tom Niles, 59, who tied a ribbon on his mailbox about half a mile down the road from Phillips’ home in this close-knit town of 2,980 people. “This is a community where everyone comes together.”
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Niles said that when he went down to the local nursery to buy some yellow ribbon, they were already sold out.
Phillips wife, Andrea, released a statement yesterday, thanking “our neighbors, our community and the nation” for their support.
“We have felt the compassion of the world through your concern for Richard,” she said. “My husband is a strong man and we will remain strong for him, we ask that you do the same.”
The couple’s college-age daughter, Mariah, arrived home yesterday, and their son, Danny, was expected to return today.
In town, people were putting up displays of their support.
At the Stitch in Time fabric shop — where Andrea regularly picks up knitting supplies — owner Kelly Ward has wrapped flowers in yellow tape and hung them outside.
“Everybody who comes in wants to check the TV for news,” she said. “We’re a small community. We feast up on TV, but don’t expect it to happen here.”
John Churchman, 51, who played in a basketball league with Capt. Phillips, said he was confident the mariner would be able to come through this ordeal.
“He’s a strong, determined fellow,” he said. “It’s extremely difficult and sad for the family.”