18 years ago on March 24, 1999 NATO launched an air campaign called

Operation Allied Force to halt the humanitarian devastation that was then

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.

 

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.

 

Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will conduct a wreath

laying ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial on the grounds of the Historic

Courthouse in Center on Friday, March 24th at 10:00 a.m.  As always the

public is invited to honor their fellow Americans.