The Veterans channel is airing ‘The Second Meeting’ Documentary, directed by Dr. Zeljko Mirkovic, on September 21st, 2024, to coincide with The International Day of Peace.
The International Day of Peace (IDP) also known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations Sanctioned holiday. Each year the IDP is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
The Veterans Channel will air ‘The Second Meeting’ Documentary on September 21. 2024, sharing this true story of humanity, love, and peace. In March 1999, news went around the world in a matter of seconds: an invisible American Stealth F-117A Night Hawk was shot down not far from Belgrade. There were two protagonists of the event: American pilot Lt. Colonel, Dale Zelko, and Serbian SAM missile commander, Colonel Zoltan Dani, who shot him down. Their first meeting was on radar—Twelve years later, with the help of filmmaker Zeljko Mirkovic, they decided to meet again. Having resisted manipulation by the media and political exploitation, they steered their own course toward a lasting friendship of shared values and love of family. One small step for two men–one giant leap for mankind.
“Leading up to my “second meeting” with the Man Who Shot Me Down, and anticipated experience visiting and sharing with his family and fellow Countrymen, I was intensely excited with restless enthusiasm and glad anticipation. I was also filled with strong anxiety and reluctance as I was uncertain how I would ultimately be received in this Country I had participated in warring against only 12 years before. After all, I had not been invited the first time and I was dropping bombs–and they were shooting missiles.” Retired U.S. Airforce Lt. Col. Darrell Patrick Zelko
“Essentially, freedom is about having a choice, i.e., having several options, or even about having a new beginning if it’s possible. ‘The second meeting’ is exactly that — a new beginning. In this way, we want to send a message to humanity that it is better to value all those values of life that contain messages of hope and tolerance between people, with mutual regard as much as it is possible.” Retired Serbian Air Defence Colonel Zoltan Dani
‘The Second Meeting’ documentary was nominated for Feature Documentary Oscars 2014. This film has won many international awards. It has had successful screenings in US cinemas in New York City and Los Angeles. ’The Second Meeting’ is screened with debates after screenings in US Congress Library, Washington DC, United Nations – New York City, Columbia University- NYC, Harvard University and has screened in United Nations and US Congress cinema theatres. “Time heals all wounds” – British Daily Mail “A remarkable friendship…sends a message of peace and tolerance” – BBC UK “…humanity outweighs the absurdity of war” – France’s Courrier International “Friendship can save the world”- Italy’s Giornalettismo
Dr. Zeljko Mirkovic is an awarded documentary director and producer with106 international awards and holds a PhD in documentary field. He is Associate Research Professor at University of Connecticut and the owner and CEO of Optimistic film.
