11 sons and daughters of Vajzë Village, Vlorë, declared “Martyrs of the Homeland” , Minister Vengu: EU membership will fulfill their legacy for Albania

Published: Monday, 05 May 2025 12:55

 

On the occasion of May 5th "Martyrs' Day" , eleven sons and daughters of the village of Vajzë in Vlorë, who gave their lives in different historical periods in defense of freedom and national dignity, were officially honored with the title “Martyrs of the Homeland.”

Defence Minister Pirro Vengu, who attended the commemorative ceremony, addressed the descendants of the fallen, local authorities, and members of the community, stating that this was not merely a tribute, but a rightful moral and historical act.

According to Minister Vengu, “Honoring the 11 sons of Vajzë as ‘Martyrs of the Homeland’ is a debt that history owes to those who are no longer with us—those who did not choose a life of comfort, but became symbols of resistance, who stood firm against the uncertainties of their time and gave their last breath crowned by the ideals of the homeland.”

“Here in Vajzë, every inch of land bears witness to bloody struggles for freedom and dignity.” the Minister added. “This is a place where bravery has taken root through generation, a corner of Albania marked by hardship and war, yet known for an extraordinary concentration of heroes.”

Minister Vengu emphasized that granting the title “Martyr of the Homeland” to eleven fallen heroes from different historical eras is not only a tribute to the past, but a renewed responsibility in the face of the challenges of today. “Our duty does not begin and end with memorials or certificates. It is something far greater, it is a relay of generations. Only when the proud flag of our martyrs flies equally among equals in the headquarters of the European Union will we feel relieved of this responsibility to our land and to those who gave their lives for it. Only then will we truly honor their ideals and carry their legacy forward for Albania.”

Minister Vengu expressed deep gratitude and respect for the invaluable sacrifice of all those who gave their lives for the homeland, stating: “May their memory be a blessing for generations to come.”

In honor of Martyrs' Day, Defence Minister Pirro Vengu and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, laid wreaths at the “Mother Albania” monument as part of the official state ceremony. The event was attended by the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, local government leaders, and descendants of those who fell in the fight for the country’s liberation.