KARAN: HALYARD - ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE SERBIAN PEOPLE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 3 /SRNA/ - The Allied pilots` rescue operation Halyard – Air Bridge was one of the most significant events in the history of the Serbian people in the Second World War, Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan said.

Karan told SRNA that it was the largest operation to rescue American servicemen behind enemy lines in 1944 and 1945, in which more than 500 Allied pilots were rescued.

According to Karan, "Halyard" was a heroic undertaking by the Serbian people, who, even in the most difficult times, once again showed that they stood on the side of freedom, justice, and humanity.

"Serbs from Ozren risked their own lives to save the lives of the Allies, knowing that if they were captured, they would be handed over to German and Ustaša forces. That act speaks volumes about the courage and humanity of a people who, despite being subjected to suffering themselves, were willing to help others," the Republika Srpska president said.

He said that freedom has been one of the greatest values of the Serbian people throughout the centuries, stressing that Serbs have paid a high price for their freedom, while at the same time selflessly sharing it with others.

"The Serbian people have shown at decisive moments in history that they view freedom not only as a right, but also as an obligation to help those whose lives and freedom are at risk," Karan said.

The freedom-loving tradition of our people is not merely part of our past and historical memory, he added, but also part of our national identity.

"Generations of Serbs have defended their right to their name, faith, identity and freedom, often paying the highest price for that freedom. Operation Halyard stands as one of the strongest testimonies to that freedom-loving tradition. At a time when the Serb people themselves were being subjected to persecution and suffering and fighting for their survival, Serbian hosts opened their homes to Allied pilots, shared their food with them and protected them as if they were their own kin," Karan said.

By doing so, he noted, they once again showed that heroism, freedom and solidarity are values deeply rooted in the Serbian people.

"Halyard is therefore not merely a story about rescuing Allied pilots; it is a story about a people who, while fighting for their own freedom, had the courage and humanity to protect the freedom of others as well," Karan concluded.