The bomber, nicknamed "Je Reviens", crashed near the Slovenian village after being hit by air defence over the Austrian city of Graz, where it was bombing strategic transport infrastructure.

The 10-man crew, including the still living pilot Edward F. Logan, parachuted themselves from the downed aircraft. The local people and Partisan forces helped them return to a base in Italy.

Vlado Kostevc of the local tourist association has told the STA that the memorial plaque represents a commitment to peace, coexistence and patriotism and a wish for a world without wars, violence and poverty.

The ceremony is sponsored by Slovenian President Borut Pahor and US Ambassador to Slovenia Brent Hartley.