commemorating-operation-“halyard”
Commemorating Operation “Halyard”

Emergency Information for American Citizens

The ceremonial event honoring and commemorating Operation “Halyard” was held today in Pranjani, where Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Alexander Titolo addressed the attendees.

“Mister Milorad Veljovic, members of the Armed Forces, distinguished guests, and the heroes and their descendants from Pranjani, good afternoon. To John Cappello of the Halyard Foundation, thank you for your tireless dedication for almost two decades to preserve the memory of this amazing and proud chapter in our shared history. Thanks to your efforts, this remarkable history is now well known, as it should be. It is my true honor to be here.  

The events on this field, 81 years ago, are a symbol of the greatness our two countries can achieve, even in the face of significant danger and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I offer great respect and admiration to the people of Pranjani who took great risks to unite with American Forces to reject Fascist oppression. Together, they achieved this remarkable accomplishment.    

The display of joint airborne training demonstrated today is our way of paying tribute to the heroic actions that took place here many years ago. But it also shows what is possible when the United States and Serbia work together. From fighting terrorism to global peacekeeping operations, Serbia and the United States have found their interests strategically aligned at many points in history. This event is a reminder that we have been united far more often in our history than we have been divided. We must continue to work together to ensure regional stability and a peaceful prosperous future.    

In closing, let me again thank the Halyard Foundation, the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and most importantly the people of Pranjani for your dedication and your continued work to ensure that we never, ever forget the sacrifices made here. And that – most importantly – we build on this history, to achieve a better future based on shared sacrifice and commitment to common objectives. 

Thank you.

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