19.09.2026.
82nd anniversary of Operation Halyard commemorated
A state ceremony commemorating the 82nd anniversary of Operation Halyard, one of the greatest rescue missions in the Second World War during which downed Allied airmen were airlifted from behind enemy lines, was held in Pranjani today.
The wreath-laying ceremony was led by Milorad Veljović, representing the President of the Republic. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, the Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, laid a wreath at the monument dedicated to Operation Halyard.The ceremony was attended by Alexander Titolo, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Serbia, Major General Matthew Woodruff, Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard, local government officials, Halyard Foundation representatives, and family members of those who took part in the mission.
Addressing those present, Mr Veljović highlighted the courage and humanity of the Serbian soldiers and locals, who, risking their own lives, provided shelter and assistance to American airmen.
- The Serbian people have always demonstrated a strong sense of justice and humanity in the most difficult moments of our glorious history. Not even the far more superior fascist force could deter Serbian villagers and soldiers from carrying out a rescue mission that would be written about for decades to come. This is a moving war-time story that, regardless of the scale and scope of the operation, says a great deal about the character of a people who, in virtually impossible circumstances, were able to demonstrate solidarity and unity for the sake of a higher goal, freedom, and a better future for generations to come – emphasised Veljović, highlighting our duty to ensure that this heroic act does not fade into oblivion and preserve the memory of the alliance in the struggle for freedom.
As part of the programme, a U.S. Air Force transport aircraft flew over Pranjani, while parachute jumps were performed by members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the 63rd Parachute Brigade of the Serbian Armed Forces, and the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit of the Ministry of the Interior.During Operation Halyard, more than 500 Allied airmen were airlifted from the occupied Yugoslav territory. Pranjani was at the centre of the operation, where local villagers built an improvised runway at Galoviće Polje and provided shelter and assistance to downed airmen unit they could be evacuated.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY19.09.2026
mp4 (192,68 MB)The ceremony
