Tributes paid to victims of 1991 cyclone
Accompanied by the ambassador, Stackpole, then commander of much-talked-about 'Operation Sea Angel', placed wreath on a monument built at village Madhyam Dongra under Khankhanabad Union in memory of those killed in cyclone.
General Stackpole and Ambassador Butenis stood in silence for a while in front of the monument.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The General was emotionally choked as he talked to journalists about his feelings and memories dating back 15 years.
"Yes, I can still remember the days and I feel sad remembering those days," Stackpole said while ruminating the memories.
He said the 1991 disaster gave us all a lesson that communication, cooperation, coordination and collaboration can effectively address any disaster.
Ambassador Butenis said she feels proud to be associated with Stackpole in visiting the cyclone-hit area.
"The experience we had during the humanitarian efforts here in 1991 was of great use in post-disaster rescue and humanitarian operation in Indonesia after Nsunami and after the devastating earthquake in Pakistan. And I believe such humanitarian cooperation strengthens relationship between the countries", she added.
The Operation Sea Angel, which was launched within 24 hours of a request from Bangladesh government, involved over 7,000 sailors, marines, airmen.
During their 34-day stay in Bangladesh US forces provided food, water and medicare to nearly 20 lakh people and saved as many as 2,00,000 lives.