The Capitol Hill hosted earlier this week the Washington premiere of the film “Heroes of Halyard,” co-chaired by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY) of the Serbian Congressional Caucus and Mark Djuric, the Ambassador of Serbia to the USA.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Djuric highlighted the significance of the event at the heart of American democracy, marking the 80th anniversary of the heroic “Halyard” operation, where Serbian peasants rescued nearly 500 American airmen.
“The screening of ‘Heroes of Halyard’ in the American Congress is a significant achievement, underscoring the political decision to showcase a film that celebrates the Serbian people’s role [in the mission],” Djuric noted.
He added, “This event also presents an opportunity for discussion and dialogue with congressmen from both sides, Republican and Democratic, and with the presidents of the Serbian Caucus in Congress, regarding the Serbian contribution during the Second World War.”
Defense Partnership between Serbia and the USA: From Operation Halyard to Today. [ Photo: Serbian Embassy press office handout]
In a panel discussion titled “Defense Partnership between Serbia and the USA: From Operation Halyard to Today,” Ambassador Djuric, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, co-chairs of the Serbian Caucus, shared their insights. Major General John Harris, commander of the Ohio National Guard, State Secretary Nemanja Starovic from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, and John Capello, president of the “Halyard Mission” Foundation, moderated the discussion.
Congresswoman Tenney emphasized Serbia’s historical significance and its role as a crucial ally in US relations with Europe. She highlighted that the event is not only about remembrance but also about presenting the truth regarding Serbian-American relations.
Congressman Cleaver (D-MO) acknowledged the importance of the Serbian community in Missouri and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent them. He thanked Ambassador Djuric for his efforts in enhancing the ties between Serbia and the USA.
Defense Partnership between Serbia and the USA: From Operation Halyard to Today. [ Photo: Serbian Embassy press office handout]
Reflecting on the 18-year partnership between the armed forces of Serbia and Ohio, Major General Harris described “Heroes of Halyard” as a catalyst for broader discussions on Serbian-American partnership and as a tool for educating Americans about the depth of the bilateral relationship.
State Secretary Starovic emphasized the robust defense and security cooperation between Serbia and the USA, considering it a cornerstone of their bilateral relations.
Before the screening, director Radosh Bajic and the film crew of “Heroes of Halyard,” including producer Nedeljko Bajic, actors Jelena Mur, Steven Mur, and Nikola Kent, as well as Alexandra Martinovic from Telekom Serbia, were greeted by the attendees.
