On the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the liberation of the Municipality of Deçan, a solemn gathering was organized, during which American colonel Todd Jacobus was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen.”
This title was awarded to Colonel Jacobus for his contribution during the last war in Kosovo.
The mayor of Deçan, Bashkim Ramosaj, said that the contribution of Jacobus and the United States remains necessary for the people of Kosovo.
“Today we are in a situation where our memory turns back, to a city that didn’t exist, in a state that has endured much pain, but one that owes its rebirth to its people—people who revived life in this city and continue to move forward, even if slowly. The reason why Colonel Todd is being declared an honorary citizen of Deçan is because we are connected by an act of kindness that began with the wounding of a young boy in Deçan, who wasn’t of age for war and who kept a report connected to Colonel Todd, who himself was wounded at a time when genocide was being committed against this people. I hope our goodwill continues, and your contribution is still needed by us,” Ramosaj said.
Meanwhile, AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj stated that America helped the Albanian people win the war, return to their homeland, declare independence, and establish the Kosovo army.
Haradinaj emphasized that Kosovo does not aim to live in a constant state of conflict with Serbia but instead hopes for a peaceful agreement between the two.
“For over a year of war, we faced Serbia—it was not an easy war. America helped us win the war, to recover our people and enable them to return and live here. Later, they helped us declare independence and build our army, which we now have as we move forward… We don’t want to live in eternal hostility with Serbia—that is not our goal. We don’t need to always be in a state of conflict. We want a peaceful agreement with Serbia. It is our neighbor, though the history has been tragic and bloody,” Haradinaj added.
American colonel Todd Jacobus expressed that it was a privilege for him to serve in Kosovo as part of NATO.
Jacobus said that the soldiers of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) played a major role in shaping modern-day 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 ten years ago. It was incredible to discover the stories of the soldiers I served with in the Kosovo Security Force, who played a major role in shaping what we now know as Kosovo. What I learned is that no one gave Kosovo its freedom. That freedom was fought for, bled for, and died for, in order to create the conditions we see today,” he stated.
Jacobus was also honored with a medal by AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj, a medal symbolizing faith in God, homeland, and the state, as well as another decoration from war veteran associations.
