New York City Raises Flag Downtown in Honor of Albania’s 112 anniversary of Independence

Rafaela Prifti/

The Albanian flag raising event was held this afternoon at the Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan to commemorate the 112th anniversary of Albania’s independence day. The ceremony was hosted by NYC Mayor’s Office and several City Departments in coordination with Mark Gjonaj, former New York City Council Member and MC of the event.

Today’s commemoration highlighted the appreciation for diversity “in the city that invests in its future” as Mark Gjonaj said. “It’s a day to celebrate not only history, not only a flag but also a people and an identity.”

This year’s honorees Vera Mjeku, Fadil Berisha and Esad Gjonbalaj were recognized for their impact and contribution to the community.

VATRA Secretary Dr. Pashko Camaj was proud to be at the event. The dignitaries such as Albania’s Ambassador to the US Ervin Bushati, Albania’s Permanent Representative at the UN Suela Janina, Kosova Head of Mission in New York Blerim Reka, Kosova Mission Councellor Fatmir Zajmi, Vatra Goodwill Ambassador Emina Çunmulaj Nazarian, Deputy Commissioner COS Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Aissata Camara, public servants, gave their remarks before the host of the event Mayor Eric Adams joined the ceremony.

Members of the NYC Illyrian Society Color Guard walked in at the start of the ceremony. The opening prayer was delivered by Imam Kukaj, Albanian American Ismalic Center of Staten Island.

Annual Tradition – It is worth repeating that the history of flag raising, as Chairman of Bowling Green Association, Arthur Piccolo, shares it with the crowd each year, started in 1992 by a dozen or so Albanian staff workers at 26 Brodway. ‘They have long retired but today we thank them,” said Piccolo.

Mayor Eric Adams greeted everyone pointing at the symbolism of raising the Albanian flag side by side the American one. It is “a representation of being Albanian Americans,” said Mayor Adams

A dance performance by Ajkun Ballet Theater was part of the musical program.

In the evening, the City is hosting a reception to commemorate 112 anniversary of Albania.