President of the Republic of Srpska Milorad Dodik asserted in Boljanić near Doboj that the Chetnik movement was instrumental in saving American pilots during the Halyard operation 80 years ago. He further condemned US Ambassador Michael Murphy’s absence from the commemoration, calling it a “shame”.
“It’s inconceivable that a power like this would demonstrate such weakness or arrogance,” Dodik stated. “The fact that they are now on the side of those for whom planes once crashed here is a different matter, a matter of politics. But to not be here to pay respects to those who sacrificed themselves and the rescued Americans is the lowest of the low,” he added.
Dodik claimed that “the US is neither Murphy nor anyone like him,” but asserted that representatives from the Halyard Foundation should be aware that no one attended on behalf of their country, thereby dismissing the memory of the great sacrifice made by the Serbian people.
“Communism didn’t erase the memory of Halyard, neither will Murphy nor the embassy official who obviously threatened others not to come here. That speaks volumes about them, not us, but we will continue to do this. He should be ashamed that no one from the US is here,” Dodik said.
In his address, Dodik emphasized the importance of gathering at this location and sending a strong message that they were honoring the efforts of their ancestors who demonstrated their humanity at a time when other nations were on the side of fascism.
He noted that Serbs had two liberation armies: the People’s Liberation Army of Yugoslavia and the Yugoslav Army in the Homeland under the command of General Draža Mihailović, who was decorated for these and other operations by the highest US authorities.
Dodik pointed out that this demonstrates that Serbs have always been on the right side of history, humanity, and the most important values of civilization.
“Not far from here were the Ustasha, but here, our people, members of the Chetnik movement, defended the freedom of the people who lived here, and it’s little known that few Ustasha or others could enter this area because they knew that freedom fighters were here,” Dodik said.
When the opportunity arose, he added, these fighters showed their true colors by rescuing pilots, with the Chetnik movement playing the most significant role in both Boljanić and Serbia in saving as many pilots as possible.
“Today we remember those who were unjustly suppressed from educational and other programs during the communist era and we say a human thank you for what they did because they also saved our honor, those of us who live here today,” Dodik said.
The memory of the descendants gathered in the Halyard Foundation is comforting, Dodik emphasized, adding that they should not be disturbed by the fact that there are no official US representatives because that is their attitude, the attitude of a perverted ambassador in Sarajevo who thinks it is important to show his arrogance in this way.
“I don’t want that to cast any shadow on the position we have here. I am proud to be the president of a republic that has had the opportunity to rehabilitate the memory at this place and to be here together with our friends from the foundation and all of you. We will continue next year, this memory here must not and will not disappear,” Dodik said.
He believes that the large turnout also speaks to how proud people are of their ancestors, and asked the representatives of the foundation to convey greetings to all descendants in the US so they know that there a people in this region who are ready to be on the side of freedom, justice, and human life.
He assessed that this is a magnificent place in Serbian history, a connection between Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, emphasizing that the same values brought people together in Pranjani and Boljanić, and that must be remembered.
“The Republic of Srpska will remain dedicated not only to remember but also to commemorating this event, and I believe that some other people, on behalf of official US policy, will be here with us again. That will show that Operation Halyard, Boljanić, Pranjani, Serbs, and the Chetnik movement are something that cannot wither away and disappear,” Dodik concluded.
In the “Halyard – Air Bridge” operation, carried out by the forces of the Yugoslav Army in the Homeland, under the command of General Dragoljub Draža Mihailović, more than 500 pilots were saved, and sixty Allied airmen in Boljanić.
Operation “Air Bridge” was the largest rescue operation of American soldiers behind enemy lines in 1944 and 1945.
The commemoration of this historical event of republican significance was organized by the Government of the Republic of Srpska Committee for the Preservation of the Traditions of Liberation Wars.
Ristić: I don’t know about the US embassy, but the descendants of American pilots are grateful to the Serbian people
Serbian Times contacted Ranko Ristić from Chicago, a member of the board of the “Halyard Foundation” on this occasion, who told us the following:
-We are proud of the fact that the people of the Ozren region of the Republic of Srpska participated in the largest rescue operation of American aviators. We thank the government of the Republic of Srpska for including the commemoration of the “Halyard Mission” in important dates for the RS and that it will be commemorated every year.
As for the non-appearance of official US representatives, our foundation does not want or can comment on behalf of the US embassy. We are not a political organization, but we do this solely out of a sense of patriotism and respect for Serbian and American heroes. Everyone should be responsible for their actions, and the “Halyard Foundation” will always be here at this holy place, just as it will be in Pranjani.
We expect to expand cooperation with the government of the Republic of Srpska so that the commemoration of this event is not only once a year but that activities are carried out throughout the year. We plan to bring members of the families of the rescued aviators because they are the ones who feel great gratitude to the Serbian people for what they did for their fathers and grandfathers, Ristić emphasized.
Dabić: A symbol of friendship between Serbs and Americans
In his speech, Dragan Dabić, a representative of the “Halyard Mission” from the Republic of Srpska, said:
-Dear brothers and sisters, today we have gathered here in Boljanić to gratefully remember one of the most important moments in our shared history – the “Halyard Mission.” Eighty years ago, in the heart of World War II, the Serbian people showed incredible courage and humanity by saving hundreds of Allied pilots. In these areas, our ancestors did not hesitate to help those who needed it most, despite the great danger they were exposed to. Today, as we stand in these holy places, we are reminded of how much the sacrifices and courage of those people were key to preserving freedom. This is not just part of our history, but the foundation of friendship and shared values that endure today.
This mission, which is a symbol of solidarity and selflessness, continues to inspire us and teaches us important lessons about the power of unity. I want to express my deep gratitude to the Government and the President of the Republic of Srpska for their dedication and support in preserving the memory of these historical moments. Their initiative and effort have enabled such events not to be forgotten, not to be pushed into the shadows of the past, but to remain a beacon for all of us and future generations.
This support shows that we cherish our roots and that we recognize the importance of those who enabled us to live in freedom today. The Serbian people, as then, today remain firm in their values – courage, honor, and solidarity. May this moment remind us to never retreat in the face of challenges, but to continue building a community based on mutual respect, peace, and the desire for a better future. On behalf of all those present, I thank the Government and the President of the Republic of Srpska for their unwavering support in preserving these memories and for their efforts to pass on historical values to future generations.
Article: Serban Times, Srna
Photo: Tanjug