Albanian-American Community to Celebrate Albanian Independence with Flag Raisings in New York <br/><br/> For Immediate Release <br/><br/> Contact: <br/><br/> Mark Gjonaj, (917) 681-9659 mprealty@aol.com <br/><br/> Simon Vukelj, (914) 512-8160 albanianflagday@gmail.com <br/><br/> Albanian-American Community to Celebrate Albanian Independence with Flag Raisings in New York <br/><br/> New York, November 22, 2010 дус The history of the Albanian people is unique: as direct descendants of the ancient Illyrians, Albanians are among the oldest civilizations of Europe. The Albanian language constitutes its own branch of the Indo-European languages, and Albanian cultural traditions are distinctive for their extraordinary emphasis on hospitality and generosity (something that no doubt influenced the most famous Albanian of all дус Mother Teresa). Additionally, military historians and even American poets such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow alike tell of exceptional Albanian boldness and valor, as exemplified by the Albanian national hero Scanderbeg. <br/><br/> It was that same independence of spirit and desire for self-determination that led to Albaniaду»s declaration of independence nearly 100 years ago from the Ottoman Empire, on November 28, 1912. On that day, the Albanian flag дус a black double-headed eagle on a red background дус was raised, and ended over 500 years of foreign rule. <br/><br/> This year, Albanians in the New York area will honor this historic event with commemorative flag raisings in the Bronx and Westchester County, during which the Albanian flag will be raised to fly next to the American flag. Albanians consider the United States its closest ally дус from President Woodrow Wilsonду»s support for Albanian independence a century ago through the more recent American support of Kosovoду»s independence. As such, all Americans -- Albanian and non-Albanian alike -- are invited to attend the flag raisings in celebration of this special relationship, as well as our shared ideals of freedom and liberty. The two flag raisings will take place as outlined below: <br/><br/> Bronx <br> Date: November 27, 2010 <br> Time: 10:00 A.M. <br> Place: Arthur Ave Section of the Bronx, Intersection of East 187th Street, Crescent Ave and Cambreleng Ave <br/><br/> Organized by Albanian American Community Association, (917) 681-9659 <br/><br/> Westchester <br> Date: November 28, 2010 <br> Time: 12:00 P.M. <br> * Albanian Roman Catholic Mass in honor of independence <br> * Followed by flag raising ceremony <br> * Followed by refreshments and cocktails served inside the Mother Teresa Center at Our Lady of Shkodra Parish <br> Place: Our Lady of Shkodra Roman Catholic Parish (led by Rev. Peter Popaj, Pastor) <br> 361 West Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY, Rectory Telephone: (914) 761-3523 <br/><br/> Both flag raisings as well as the Albanian-language mass are open to the public, and will have American elected officials and Albanian and American community leaders in attendance. <br/><br/> Media is invited to cover this event. In addition to the flag raisings, visuals will include young Albanian-Americans dressed in traditional Albanian clothing.