Minister Kodheli pays homage on National Martyrs' Day

: Published: Friday, 05 May 2017 16:47

Today it was held the homage ceremony in honor of martyrs of the homeland. The President of the Republic, Bujar Nishani, Former Speaker of Parliament, Ilir Meta, Minister of Defence, Mimi Kodheli, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Brigadier General Dedë Prenga, and ministers, deputies, local representatives, veterans along with family members and relatives of the martyrs honored the fallen for freedom and laid wreaths of flowers at the monument "Mother Albania".

Defence Minister Kodheli and Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Brigadier General Dedë Prenga paid homage and laid wreaths at the tombs of Feti Vogli, Floran Delia and Donald Hoxha and also met with the members of the families of the martyrs.

Later, at the veterans and families of the martyrs’ luncheon, Defence Minister Kodheli started her speech with German philosopher’s quote Friedrich Schiller: “What's old collapses, times change, and new life blossoms in the ruins”.

“Qemal Stafa dared to say when he was only 15 years old that we have confidence in ourselves and that’s why we dare. And he dared till the end becoming an example, our hero, yours, of the ones who have fallen martyrs, and of the generations to come, I also hope” – said among others Mrs. Kodheli.

On his behalf, Prime Minister Rama expressed his satisfaction at being all together to commemorate May, the 5th: “A memorable day that gathers us in the name of Qemal Stafa, but also gives us the opportunity at this moment to evoke a history of courage and to re-express our greatest respect and appreciation for that part of the history”.

In his speech, Mr. Ilir Meta emphasized that if you have a look back on the history of the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War you will be surprised how these young men and many others left their studies abroad and came here when the country was occupied offering a tremendous resistance. “Thanks to whom we have the existence of Albania as a state, and on November 29th in gaining Freedom and Independence”