Mt. Juliet expresses hope for hometown astronaut

Officials with the Mt. Juliet Police and Fire Departments as well as local residents gathered to show their support for Mt. Juliet native Astronaut Capt. Barry “Butch” Wilmore, who has been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months alongside fellow Astronaut Capt. Suni Williams. The pair was expected to stay on the ISS for an eight-day test flight but had to remain aboard the station after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they were testing on its maiden crewed voyage suffered propulsion issues and was deemed unfit to return them to earth. Mt. Juliet Police Lt. Sean Ronan and Deputy Fire Chief Joey Edwards placed a wreath of yellow ribbons and flowers at the tribute display to Williams, expressing hope and prayers for Wilmore’s safe return as the mission to return Wilmore and Williams to Earth began.