Captain Phillips Welcome Picnic

I attended the celebration picnic today at Mills Riverside Park in Jericho, VT for the public welcome-home by the community. It was very well attended on a gorgeous April day.

The politicians, Congressman Welch, Chuck Ross, Senator Leahy's Vermont chief-of-staff, and Gov. Jim Douglas were thankfully brief and gave appropriate gifts including American flags flown over the nation's and state's capitols, resolutions by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and other appropriate items, including a six-pack of LaBatt's Blue!

The whole affair was well organized, low key and Vermont-appropriate, showing respect for Richard's and the family's privacy.

I am a friend of his mother-in-law Catherine Coggio, who lives in Richmond.

Here's the notice:

Picnic to Honor Captain Richard Phillips

This Saturday there will be a community picnic at Mills Riverside Park to Honor Captain Richard Phillips. This will be an afternoon to show our appreciation for Captain Phillips' selflessness and bravery and to give the Phillips' family an opportunity to thank all community members for our prayers and positive thoughts during their difficult ordeal.

When: Saturday, April 25th, 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, Mills Riverside Park. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon of music and fun to honor Captain Phillips. A program will begin at 1:00pm with remarks from Representative Bill Frank, Congressman Peter Welch, Senator Bernie Sanders, Chuck Ross from Senator Leahy's office, Governor Jim Douglas and Richard & Andrea Phillips.

Live music will begin immediately after the remarks from Bobby Hackney's a cappela group, The Audio Journal with Jeff Wynne & Erik Urch and Tammy Fletcher and The Disciples.

This is a day for a community celebration. The Phillips family will not be giving interviews or answering questions from the press after the formal program. Gov. Douglas and Rep. Frank will field their requests.

Come celebrate and show Captain Phillips and his family how proud we are of him.