NATION : Ex-Hostage Reed Comes Home

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. — Freed hostage Frank Reed returned home to the United States today after 42 months in captivity and rejoiced, “I am unchained and unblindfolded.”

Reed’s plane was greeted by another recently freed hostage, Robert Polhill. The two men embraced on the tarmac and Reed whispered, “We’re going to get the rest of them out, aren’t we.”

The release of Reed and Polhill left six Americans and nine other westerners still held in captivity in Lebanon.

“Of course it feels wonderful,” Reed said in a brief statement that left many of his welcomers in tears.

He thanked all those who worked and prayed for his release--including the Americans still held hostage, for refusing “to let me give up” in captivity. “Thank you for all your love and concern and, yes, for your tears, for I cry with you that this tragic affair will end soon. Amen, amen, amen,” he said.

Reed was released by his captors on Monday and had been undergoing medical tests in Wiesbaden, West Germany.