March 29, 2022 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary held a memorial ceremony on Thursday, March 24 for Operation Allied Force - Kosovo on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in downtown Center.
Post Chaplain Kenneth Ramsey gave the opening prayer.
The program was led by Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, and he gave a brief history of Operation Allied Force.
"Twenty-three years ago, on March 24, 1999, NATO launched an air campaign called Operation Allied Force to halt the humanitarian devastation that was unfolding in Kosovo. The decision to intervene followed more than a year of fighting within the province and the failure of international efforts to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means," said Hume.
NATO announced the suspension of the air campaign on June 10, 1999 once it had concluded a military technical agreement with the federal republic of Yugoslavia.
NATO casualties were light, and the alliance suffered no fatalities as a result of combat operations.
"Two American Army helicopter pilots, Chief Warrant Officer David Gibbs and Kevin L. Reichert died when their helicopter crashed in the early morning of May 5, 1999," said Hume. "The crash was not due to enemy fire, but two of America's finest died on that day serving their country."
In honor of those who served in the Kosovo War, a memorial wreath was placed by post member Richard Lundie.
Taps was played at the end of the ceremony as presented by Gene Hutto, Post Commander.
