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| Jack Tobin (at the podium) addresses a crowd of jubilant Ridgefielders. Flanking him are (from the left) First Selectman Rudy Marconi; his father, John Tobin; his uncle James Tobin; Rep. Lew Wallace of Danbury; Selectman Peter Yanity; Reggie Yannuzzi of the First Selectman's office; and RHS Principal Joseph Ellis. |
While the relatively short notice of today's event meant many Ridgefielders were unable to attend, Jack Tobin's father John promised everyone another chance to celebrate his son's return. "Come to the party," John Tobin told the crowd. While details have not been finalized, we understand the Tobins are planning a large outdoor celebration on their property on Silver Spring Road. The event will probably take place in the next few weeks, before Labor Day.
First Selectman Marconi, who helped organize the town-wide display of yellow ribbons shortly after Jack Tobin's incarceration, arranged today for Jack to cut the ribbon on the huge tree in front of Town Hall. The ribbon, and the hundreds of others displayed throughout Ridgefield, symbolized the Town's determination to not forget its native son, even though he was held, largely incommunicado, in a primitve jail thousands of miles from home. Jack Tobin, obviously delighted to be reunited with his large family and many friends, thanked Ridgefielders for their support, their letters, their prayers, and for never forgetting him. Speaking of the yellow ribbons which blanketed Ridgefield, Tobin said, "When I first saw those [yellow] ribbons, it really hit me -- how much support there was -- it was really good to see that." He added, "I'm very grateful for all the support the town gave my family so they didn't have to go through this alone."
[Photo, right] Jack Tobin (holding flag) has just cut the yellow ribbon and proudly waves an American flag to the hundreds of well-wishers gathered in front of Town Hall.
Left: Well before the start time of today's event, television satellite trucks and cameras gathered in front of Town Hall. When is the last time you saw network television crews on Main Street??
Right: First Selectman Marconi met with the Tobins in his office before the event. Here Selectman Steve Zemo welcomes Jack Tobin, joined by (from the left) Selectman Barbara Manners, John Tobin, and Rudy.
Left: John Tobin, Rudy Marconi, and John Tobin pose for our cameras.
Right: The Tobins and Rudy review the arrangements for the upcoming ceremony.
Left: The Tobin family accompanied Jack and dad John. From the left: John Tobin (Sr.), Jack Tobin, Selectman Peter Yanity, uncle James Tobin, uncle Stephen Tobin, First Selectman Marconi.
Right: Hundreds of Ridgefielders and media people swarmed over the area in front of Town Hall.
Left: Rudy formally welcomed Jack home on behalf of the thousands of townspeople who had offered moral support, yellow ribbons, prayers, e-mails, and letters during the seemingly-interminable six months of Jack's imprisonment.
Right: Jack Tobin, gracious and composed beyond his years, was the perfect guest of honor --- humble, grateful, and obviously delighted to be back with family and friends in Ridgefield. Speaking to the throng of friends, family, and neighbors, he said "I'm really proud to be from this town. I love this town very much. This town exemplifies what is strong about democracy in America."
To avoid the press of the media after the ceremony, First Selectman Marconi had arranged a police escort to take the Tobin family away from the crowd - through a back exit from Town Hall. When told of the plan, Jack Tobin politely declined, saying "This is my town. I don't want to sneak away. I'll stay right out there, with the folks." And sure enough, stay with the people he did, braving a veritable gauntlet of cameras, interviewers, and well-wishers, as he walked with his family to their car.
Left: Among the many welcomers were DTC member Roger Garbow (with sign) and DTC Chair Susan Cocco (right, in black dress).
Right: At the end of the ceremony, Jack Tobin looked wistfully down his hometown Main Street, holding the flowers sent by a well-wisher, and supported by his father. We can only guess at the emotions that this 24-year old Ridgefielder is feeling today.
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