New York Municipal Council honours six Albanian-Americans

In New York City Hall, the sounds of the American anthem were heard, followed by Albanian anthems, which opened the festive evening organised by the New York Municipal Council on Albania's Independence Day.

To symbolize this union, organisers had chosen six community figures to represent Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, Presevo and Camerina.

Elez Biberaj, chief of the Eurasian Division at the Voice of America, from a family originally from Albania, was honoured last night for his academic contribution and impact on historical developments with his work. Mr. Biberaj said the assessment represents a special honor for him:

“S first because I am given by a prominent son of the Albanian-American community, Mark Gjonaj, whose work and leadership role should serve as inspiration for anyone to engage in public service. Another reason is that I am given this honor in this temple of democracy, in New York City City, a city that opened its wings to my family when she migrated. Also, I'm honored to receive this assessment on Flag Day”.

To represent Kosovo, organisers had chosen Mr. Gani Shehu, honoured for his commitment to the struggle for Kosovo's liberation and for his work with the Albanian-American community. Ilirian Russia represented Macedonian Albanians this evening and was honoured as one of the first activists to establish the Albanian-American National Council. Gjek Gjonlekaj was singled out as a prominent representative of Montenegro's Albanians, honoured both for contributing to Albanian letters and for the role in important developments for the nation. Rexhe Jakley, originally from Presevo, was honoured for the charity contribution shown to both the Albanian-American community and the Kosovo war refugees.

Nazo Veliu, selected to symbolically introduce Chamerina, was honoured for her activity as a member of the Albanian Federation of Vatra. In her speech, Mrs. Veliu remembered the suffering of the family that was expelled from Chamaria:

Dad was born in Filat; he came when he was 10 years old in Albania and never returned to Chammer. He died at 67 years of age, and all the time, his heart wept over his homeland of”.

Confessions and fond memories often convey a message of national strength and vitality. A hall filled with eyelids and a youth in traditional dress testifies to a community that, although it has taken root for a century in New York City, still maintains a clear national identity.

Voice of America