The Washington premiere of the film "Heroes of Halyard" on Capitol Hill

Organized by the co-chair of the Serbian Congressional Caucus, Claudia Tenney, and the Ambassador of Serbia to the US, Marko Djuric, the Washington premiere of the film "Heroes of Halyard" took place on Capitol Hill.

Addressing the attendees, Ambassador Djuric emphasized that this event in the heart of American democracy reminded us that this year marked the 80th anniversary of the heroic "Halyard Operation," when Serbian villagers had saved the lives of nearly 500 American airmen.

"The fact that the film 'Heroes of Halyard' is being screened in the American Congress is an achievement in itself, considering that it is the result of a political decision to allow the screening of a film that glorifies the role of the Serbian people," Djuric pointed out.

He added that this had also been an opportunity to engage in discussions and debates about the role of Serbs in World War II with congresspeople from both parties, Republican and Democratic, and with the presidents of the Serbian Caucus in Congress.

As stated in the press release from the Embassy of Serbia in the US, in the panel discussion titled "The US-Serbia Defense Partnership: From Operation Halyard to the Present," those who spoke alongside Djuric were Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as co-chairs of the Serbian Caucus, as well as Major General John Harris, commander of the Ohio National Guard, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Starovic, and President of the Halyard Mission Foundation John Cappello, as the discussion moderator.

Congresswoman Tenney assessed that Serbia had historically represented a crucial part of US relations with Europe and a great ally, and that the event in Congress was not only an opportunity for remembrance but also for portraying the truth about Serbian-American relations.

Discussing the significance of the Serbian community in Missouri over the decades, Congressman Cleaver expressed his pleasure and honor to represent that community, thanking Ambassador Djuric for his partnership and collaboration in promoting and strengthening Serbia-US relations.

Reflecting on the 18 years of partnership between the armed forces of Serbia and Ohio, Major General Harris characterized the film "Heroes of Halyard" as a catalyst for a broader conversation about Serbian-American partnership and as a means of further educating the American population about the longevity and depth of Serbia-US relations.

"Summarizing the joint military activities in the past period, State Secretary Starovic emphasized that the cooperation between Serbia and the United States in defense and security represented the strongest and best aspect of overall bilateral relations," the press release added.

Before the screening, director Rados Bajic greeted the attendees, along with the film crew of "Heroes of Halyard": producer Nedeljko Bajic, actors Jelena Moore, Steven Moore, and Nikola Kent, as well as Aleksandra Martinovic from Telekom Serbia.

Ambassador Djuric also wrote about the film premiere on his official Instagram account.

"On this special night for many of us, I am proud to be among those who care, among Serbs and Americans who have gathered to commemorate an important event in the history of our two nations," Djuric stated.

He added that it was a unique opportunity for Serbs and Americans to remember their heroic past.

"This is a unique opportunity not only to remember the heroic deeds of people on both the Serbian and American sides who took part in the Halyard mission and in the liberation of Europe 80 years ago, but also to remind ourselves of the values that bring us together, the values that will be a firm foundation for future generations and which will serve as an inspiration for us all. Every Serbian is filled with pride that the day has come that a Serbian film – Heroes of Halyard – is being screened at the US Congress, at the heart of freedom, democracy, and this great country," Djuric emphasized.