A tree was also planted as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. U. S. officials at the event included U. S. ambassador to Slovenia Joseph Mussomeli, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and Commander of U. S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, General Frank Gorenc. The latter two highlighted their Slovenian roots as they addressed the event. The officials noted that there has been cooperation between the two sides for more than seven decades, as Slovenians saved the lives of American airmen during World War 2.