# Operation Halyard anniversary commemorations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/operation-halyard-anniversary-commemorations > Updated: 2026-10-03T10:47:50.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3. Commemorations have been held in Serbia and Republika Srpska to mark the anniversary of Operation Halyard, a World War II mission that rescued more than 500 Allied airmen from occupied territory. In Pranjani, ceremonies honored the role of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services and local Serbian villagers who protected downed pilots and constructed a makeshift landing strip to facilitate the rescue. During the 82nd anniversary commemorations in Boljanić, near Doboj, officials highlighted the role of the Yugoslav Army in the Fatherland in rescuing Allied pilots behind enemy lines during 1944 and 1945. Siniša Karan, President of Republika Srpska, described the mission as one of the most significant events in Serbian history, noting the bravery of locals who protected soldiers from German and Ustaše forces. Savo Minić, Prime Minister of Srpska, emphasized that the Serbian people have always stood on the side of freedom and alliance. Speakers at the event stressed the importance of preserving historical values and rehabilitating relationships with international allies through this shared history. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-03: Boljanić commemorates 82nd anniversary of Operation Halyard Commemorations in Boljanić marked the 82nd anniversary of Operation Halyard, where the Yugoslav Army in the Fatherland rescued over 500 Allied pilots during World War II. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boljani-commemorates-82nd-anniversary-of-operation-halyard ### 2026-10-01: Boljanić commemorates Operation Halyard anniversary Commemorations were held in Boljanić for the 82nd anniversary of Operation Halyard, while Vinkovci honored Croatian defenders from the Homeland War. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vinkovci-recruits-undergo-military-helicopter-transport-training ### 2026-09-18: Operation Halyard: Commemorating the rescue of 500 Allied airmen in Serbia Commemorations in Pranjani honor Operation Halyard, a WWII mission where Serbian resistance and locals helped rescue over 500 Allied airmen from occupied territory. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/operation-halyard-commemorating-the-rescue-of-500-allied-airmen-in-serbia --- Cite as: Operation Halyard anniversary commemorations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/operation-halyard-anniversary-commemorations