The Albanian flag raising ceremony is an event to commemorate the Independence day of Albania. We held our event in Stamford this year on Sunday November 25th.
It is a significant date celebrated annually on November 28th not only in Albania but all over the world by the Albanian diaspora.
The historic event of the independence from the Ottoman Empire took place on November 28, 1912, in Vlora, Albania when the Albanians raised their flag in freedom from oppression.
The sponsor for our local flag day is the Albanian Youth Center led by Richard Lukaj, who is a dedicated community leader and devoted philanthropist through his Lukaj Foundation.
We have gathered at the government center for several years to celebrate this occasion.
Our wonderful programs include ethnic music, dancing, and poetry readings, as well as speeches from local and international dignitaries.
This year as in the past there was a sizeable turnout from our Stamford and Westchester Albanian population. The Stamford Mayor David Martin and his chief of staff Michael Pollard opened the ceremonies with a beautiful speech and the proclamation of the flag day. Very talented dance groups and musicians performed along with our kids from the youth center. It is an especially proud moment for parents and relatives to see their kids recite and sing in the beautiful Albanian language.
The Albanian Youth Center is a unique cultural and educational center established to promote Albanian Language and Culture. The center launched in September 2017 with the goal to teach the next generation of Albanian-Americans the language, history, and authentic dances and songs, some of which are UNESCO recognized. The Albanian Youth Center is the first organization in the United States to facilitate a developed language and cultural program. Additionally, as part of the program, the center introduces frequent distinguished guest speakers and interaction support with the public and private sectors in an effort to enrich our youth’s horizons.
We are very proud of the accomplishments of our local Albanian community here in CT and NY, especially our youth!
