Throngs attend 2023 Staten Island celebration of Albanian independence, flag-raising ceremony

November 26, 2023 silive.com

– Scenes from the flag raising ahead of Albanian independence day at the intersection of Father Capodanno Blvd. and Seaview Avenue on Nov. 26, 2023. (Staten Island Advance / Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance / Luke Pe

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The chill of the seaside winds did not deter proud Albanian-Americans from showing up in full force for a Staten Island celebration of the country’s culture and independence, including a flag-raising ceremony, Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds converged at the intersection of Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue, the latter of which was renamed in honor of Ismail Qemali, the “Father of Independence” of the Albanian state, back in June.

In assembling once again at the site, the Albanian community celebrated their culture just two days ahead of Albania’s Independence Day on Nov. 28. Among the masses was one family who travelled all the way from Maryland simply to attend the day’s event.

Dozens of the youth donning traditional Albanian garb danced to the performances of various singers, as families, elected officials and dignitaries alike looked on. At one point, a group of men showcased their performance skills in both dance and music, their horn and drum providing a rhythm for the young dancers that joined in.

The grand stage was adorned with a number of banners and prominently featured both the American and Albanian flags. Spectators, draped in Albanian flags of their own, attentively listened to an array of speakers sharing messages of unity and freedom, among them elected officials.

“It’s so important for us to come together to acknowledge these milestones and these events that commemorate our shared history,” Mid-Island Councilman David Carr said. “It’s one of the reasons why I was so proud to co-sponsor and introduce the law that created Ismail Qemali Way, right here at Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue. Because I wanted this place to be a convening point for the…community here in Staten Island, and I am so glad to see after several months now that that’s what it has become, as we have had several events here since that June day where we all celebrated together.”

– Mid-island Councilman David Carr speaks at the flag raising at the intersection of Father Capodanno Blvd. and Seaview Avenue on Nov. 26, 2023. (Staten Island Advance / Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance / Luke Pe

Joining Carr at the event were Borough President Vito Fossella, Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and representatives from the respective offices of Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon and Assemblyman Charles Fall.

Many of the officials and representatives presented a number of citations to distinguished individuals in attendance who have supported not just the Albanian community, but the Staten Island community at large. Included in the ranks of those recognized by Pirozzolo were representatives from Cafe Latte, who’s late owner, Senad “Sammy” Demiri, was an immigrant from the Balkans.

After some time, the moment had come to hoist the colors of both the US and Albania in the official flag ceremony. Flanked by officials and dignitaries, a couple of children manned the flagpoles, steadily raising the flags to the backing of each nation’s national anthem.

“I know and I’ve come to know the appreciation you all have for respect, for traditions, for family, and knowing that wherever you come from, when you come to this great country, we’re coming to the greatest country in the history of the world, but that doesn’t mean we forget where we come from,” Fossella said.

“Your grandparents, your great-grandparents sacrificed to make Albania free and independent. Many of us come together from all across this world, in hands, together, to say that freedom and independence must remain forever, and the way you come out today to celebrate that independence day makes us all one,” Fossella added.