Last farewell to the Homeland's Martyr, Corporal Zarife Hasanaj

Published: Friday, 10 May 2019 17:08

Corporal Zarife Hasanaj, Martyr of the Homeland was bidden farewell with the highest military and state honors, and will eternally rest in peace at the Cemetery of the Homeland Martyrs in Tirana. 

Corporal Zarife Hasanaj, part of the EOD Company, fell in line of duty during the NATO Mission in Latvia.

The state funeral ceremony for Corporal Hasanaj was held in the central lobby of the Palace of Congresses, where President of the Republic Ilir Meta, Speaker of the Parliament Gramoz Ruçi, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka, members of Cabinet, Deputy Defence Minister Koçi, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj, MPs, the leader of Democratic Party Lulzim Basha, senior leaders of the Armed Forces, diplomatic corps representatives, Military Attachés, Canadian and Latvian military colleagues in the NATO eFP mission, representatives of religious communities, hundreds of AAF members, policemen, family members and many citizens of the capital paid tribute to her sacrifice.

After the homages, a state ceremony was held in honor of Corporal Hasanaj, in which Chief of General Staff Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, described her as the daughter of Albania and heroin of the Armed Forces of Albania.

Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka praised the devotion and service of Corporal Hasanaj and considered her work and talent as an example for every young girl who wishes to become part of the Armed Forces. “Corporal Hasanaj was not just a talented effective, who proudly wore the uniform and who was honoring the Armed Forces uniform with her work and service. She was also an example for many girls who want to join the AF. She was one of the best. One of the most capable soldiers and I believe she would have had a brilliant career ahead. And that makes everything even more painful. We lost one of the best we had and we will find it very difficult to replace her.”

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Homeland Martyr as an example of sacrifice and selflessness, qualities that characterizes the service of women and men in uniform. “The girl, wrapped in the homeland flag, is today the shocking embodiment of the daily truth of loyalty to the homeland, devotion and sacrifice for the homeland; the AAF daily create and recreate in the accomplishment of their mission, the inalienable and indispensable being a community of men and women, girls and boys who live every hour, day and night with the mission to defend us all from any external threats and secure the country and Albania’s deserved dignity in the big community of the family of nations lined on the right side of history, shoulder to shoulder in every NATO challenge and mission.”

Subsequently, the coffin with the body of Corporal Hasanaj, covered with the red and black flag, was placed in a gun carriage and under the funeral sounds of the Armed Forces Wind Orchestra and by the accompaniment of the Honor Guard, was headed to the Cemetery of the Homeland Martyrs.

In “Mother Albania” monument, according to military tradition, the Commander of the Engineering Battalion, which Corporal Hasanaj was part of, performed the last appeal. Deputy Defense Minister Petro Koçi read the verdict of the Statute Central Committee “Martyr of the Homeland”, which proclaims Corporal Zarife Hasanaj, who fell in line of duty as “Martyr of the Homeland”.

After that, the Commander of the Engineering Battalion handed over to the father of the fallen Corporal the National Flag, which covered the coffin of the Homeland’s Martyr.

Prior to the final farewell to the last resting place, Corporal Hasanaj was honored with three-volley salute.

May 10, 2019, Friday, was declared National Day of Mourning and in all institutions, including diplomatic missions abroad and NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the National Flag should be flown at half-staff.