Celebrating Independence Day during National Disaster in Albania

The Albanian community celebrated 107th Independence Day with a heavy heart and in solidarity with those affected by the tragic 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Albania. For the 15th year hosting the Flag Raising Ceremony in Stamford, we are thankful for the hospitality the Mayor Martin's office has granted our community all these years. We were also humbled by the Town of Greenwich to raise the Albanian Flag at Town hall for the first time this year. The ceremonies were hosted by the Albanian Youth Center based in Greenwich.

In both ceremonies, we were joined by Distinguished Guest Speakers, Dignitaries, fellow Albanian-American Friends, Family and Neighbors as we all came together for our Annual Flag Day Celebration.

Many speakers, including Greenwich's First Selectman Fred Camillo, who was sworn in office on Dec 1, 2019 and granted the first proclamation in office to the Albanian Independence Day, spoke with a poignant portray of the devastating news as one of the worst natural disasters that have ever hit Albania in the last century. The earthquake followed up by hundreds of aftershocks left the country with a toll of 51 deceased, 2000 seriously injured, and about 4000 homeless. During this difficult time, we witnessed an immense expression of solidarity and support from people across the world with different backgrounds, ethnicities, religious beliefs or nationalities who came together to support the victims of this tragedy.

The Albanian-American community came together in unity as a show of support and awareness in celebrating the Flag Raising Ceremony. During the Greenwich Flag Raising event, recent Selectman candidate of Greenwich Granit Balidemaj Emcee-ed in the presence of many distinguished guests, talented singers, professional violin player, Albanian Youth Center students, family and friends in the community and together with First Selectman Fred Camillo and former First Selectman Peter Tesei.

Additionally, the 15th anniversary of the flag raising occurred at the Stamford Government Center, Emcee'ed by Adrian Ulaj and Fatjona Kelmendi. The event was sponsored by the Albanian Youth Center and the Lukaj Family Foundation with a large turnout of members of the community despite challenging weather conditions. Mayor of Stamford David Martin, along with Congressman Jim Himes were present. During their visit, they mentioned the importance of the long-lasting relationship between the American and Albanian communities and the importance of embracing immigration and various cultural heritages. Diversity and different backgrounds are what make America special and great. One of the main goals of Albanian Youth Center is to create a sense of pride for the youth of the Albanian- American community. Moreover, it aims to keep the heritage alive through events such as the flag raising ceremony. The youth is the future of this community and being able to invest in it is a blessing. Famous Albanian artists performed and created a lively celebratory atmosphere such as Famous Folk Singer Gezim Nika, Soprano Deshira Ahmeti, Baritone Kreshnik Zhabjaku, Violinist Joana Kaimi, Piano Player Enika Gjokoreci, and Young Talented Singers Layla Lukaj, Tess Biberaj, Fioreta Miria and Albanian Youth Center's students.

Even though this year’s flag raising event came with a lot of emotional distress, it was uplifting to see the entire community come together for the celebration of our Independence Day, thus continuing to embrace and cherish our amazing heritage.

By: Kevin Hoxha, Albanian Youth Center