In commemoration of the 26th anniversary of the liberation of the Municipality of Deçan, a solemn gathering was held where U.S. Colonel Todd Jacobus was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen.” This prestigious award was given to General Jacobus for his significant contribution to the recent war in Kosovo.
Acknowledging U.S. Contribution and Kosovo’s Journey
Deçan Mayor Bashkim Ramosaj stated that the contribution of Jacobus and the United States remains essential for the people of Kosovo. “Today, we are in a situation where our memory takes us back to a city that almost ceased to exist, to a country that has endured much pain, but it is the merit of this people, these individuals who have revitalized life in this city, and we are moving forward with sure, albeit slow, steps,” Ramosaj said.
He continued, “The reason Colonel Todd is declared an honorary citizen in Deçan is because a bond of goodwill connects us, which began with the wounding of a young boy in the city of Deçan, who was not old enough to fight but maintained a connection with Colonel Todd, who was wounded at a time when genocide was being perpetrated against this people. I hope our goodwill continues, and your contribution is still necessary for us.”
Haradinaj on Peace and U.S. Support
The leader of the AAK (Alliance for the Future of Kosovo), Ramush Haradinaj, emphasized that America assisted the Albanian people in winning the war, returning to their homeland, declaring independence, and establishing the Kosovo Army.
Haradinaj added that Kosovo’s objective is not to live in perpetual conflict with Serbia, but to achieve a peace agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. “For over a year of war, we faced Serbia, and it was not an easy war. America helped us win the war, helped our people return and live here, later helped us declare independence, and establish our army that we have today and are moving forward with… We do not wish to live in eternal enmity with Serbia; it is not our goal to always be in a state of war with Serbia. We don’t need it; we desire a peace agreement with Serbia. They are our neighbors, and history has been tragic and bloody,” Haradinaj stated.
Jacobus Reflects on Service
U.S. Colonel Todd Jacobus expressed that it was a privilege for him to have served in Kosovo as part of NATO. Jacobus highlighted that KSF soldiers played a significant role in shaping Kosovo.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be here. It was a privilege to serve here in Kosovo as part of NATO, the U.S. Army, and the National Guard 10 years ago. It was wonderful to discover the stories of the soldiers with whom I served in the Kosovo Security Force, who played a major role in shaping what we know today as Kosovo. What I learned is that no one gave Kosovo its freedom; for that freedom, they fought, bled, and died to create today’s conditions,” he said.
Jacobus also received a decoration from AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj for his faith in God, homeland, and state, as well as another decoration from war veterans’ associations.
