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Idaho Town Marks Two Years Since Taliban Captured Local Soldier

President Obama's announcement that he will begin drawing down troops from Afghanistan was a reminder to residents of Hailey, Idaho, that they're still waiting for one of their own to return. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is the only U.S. soldier in the captivity of the Taliban. Hailey is preparing for the two-year anniversary of his capture. .

The only signs of Bowe Bergdahl in the last two years are the videos released by the Taliban. In them, the soldier, now 25, appears thin and ragged.

The circumstances of his capture are unclear. But the military says Bergdahl was taken while off-base in eastern Afghanistan.

Bergdahl grew up in Hailey, Idaho, a town of about 8,000 people. Mayor Rick Davis says the town just replaced the yellow ribbons that honor him on Main Street.

"I'm sure with stories airing on the news about Afghanistan, people are thinking about Bowe and his family and hoping that his release is imminent," Davis said.

It's not known whether Bergdahl is still in Afghanistan. In May, Bergdahl's father released his own video, pleading with Pakistan's military to help in the search for his son.

On Thursday, June 30, the city of Hailey is planning a small ceremony in the coffee shop where Bergdahl formerly worked as a barista.

Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network

Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network

Jessica Robinson