HAILEY - From his perch atop a flatbed truck in Hop Porter Park in this small mountain town, Jeff Gunter promised captured American soldier Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl a much grander view upon his return here.

Bergdahl, who often rode motorcycles to the top of nearby mountains, was captured June 30 in Afghanistan. The 23-year-old appeared in a video released Saturday by the Taliban.

"Bowe, when you get back I want to go to the top of the mountains with you so you can look and see what this city has done for you," said Gunter, a family friend and one of several speakers at Wednesday night's vigil for Bergdahl in his hometown. "The yellow ribbons are all over."

Supporters, many wearing yellow ribbons and daisies or carrying signs of support for Bergdahl, took part in Wednesday night's hour-long vigil, which began at Zaney's River Street Coffee House, Bergdahl's former workplace and ground zero for local and national media in this town of 7,000, and ended at the nearby park.

Yellow ribbons are tied to nearly every tree, light post and stop sign on Main Street, and yellow "Bring Home Bowe" signs occupy most storefront windows.

"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 participated in the vigil with her husband and three small children. "We're just in shock this is happening here."

It was evident Wednesday night as supporters gathered to walk and bike the short distance. Generations of families, some with strollers, came out to show their support for the Bergdahl family. Bergdahl's parents, Bob and Jani, and his older sister, Sky, did not attend the vigil, in keeping with their private profile since Bergdahl's capture, but were expected to watch it on television. The vigil was carried live locally.

"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 Bergdahls. "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."

The Bergdahls sent letters that were read to the crowd. Gloria Gunter and Sue Martin, another friend of the family's, read the letters from Bergdahl's parents and sister.

"Bowe, I think you'd smile to see how many people love you," wrote Sky Bergdahl.

Wrote Bob and Jani Bergdahl: "As our emotions settle to a slow-burning desire for Bowe's return, let us pledge to one another our mutual acts of love and kindness and to Bowe, our only son, know that we love you."

It is hard to walk more than a few feet without being reminded that this community is missing one of its own. The ribbons, the signs, the questions - all bringing the distant war closer than ever.

"It's been pretty hard to comprehend," said Sandi Pfau, a longtime Wood River Valley resident. "You do as little or as much as you can and hope for the best. Prayer is the only thing that's going to get him back here. That and a lot of good diplomacy."

There remains mystery about exactly how Bergdahl was captured, leading at least one national commentator on Fox News to call him a deserter, a liar and mentally disturbed.

There is no hint of ambivalence in Hailey.

"It's tragic to get captured. I came out here because I understand. ... I wanted to show support for him and the troops that are out there," said Tom Kennedy, a retired Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. "It doesn't matter at all. It really doesn't matter. You don't know what the circumstances really were."

Capt. Render Craigton, a former Vietnam POW, told the crowd Wednesday night to disregard much of what it hears in the media - and any statements Bergdahl might make on propaganda tapes. He also cautioned the audience that the ordeal could last for a while.

"I would beg you not to make any judgments about what Bowe says or what Bowe does," Craigton said. "Take everything that you hear with a grain of salt."

The residents of Hailey - the ones tying those ribbons, bringing the flowers, adhering bumper stickers and "Standing With Bowe" - do not need such warnings. They just want their friend home.

"Times change and we with time, but not in the ways of friendship," Gloria Gunter said. "The most wonderful aspect of our community is how we come together to help and support one another."

Brian Murphy: 377-6444