Mayor Adams celebrates Albania's legacy at flag-raising ceremony

New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored the Albanian community at flag-raising ceremony commemorating Albania’s 112th Independence Day.

Speaking at City Hall, the mayor praised the contributions of Albanians to the city and emphasized their integral role in shaping New York’s cultural and civic landscape.

“No, you don’t stand for me, I stand for you,” Mayor Adams began, highlighting the dedication of leaders like Mark Gjonaj, a former assemblyman and advocate for the Albanian community. Adams recalled Gjonaj’s vision, saying, “The time has arrived for the Albanian community not to live in the shadows of the American dream but to enjoy the warm warmth of the sunshine of the freedom that we offer.”

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The mayor also recognized Commissioner Manuel Castro, an immigrant who now leads the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, as a symbol of the opportunities America provides.

Adams encouraged the community to celebrate their heritage while embracing their American identity. “The country that you have adopted does not displace the country of birth and heritage. It goes together,” he said. “When we raise the flag here, it is our symbol of saying we will raise the spirit and energy of the Albanian community.”

Reflecting on history, Adams noted it took 110 mayors before the Albanian flag was first raised at City Hall. He lauded the community’s values of family, faith, business, and public safety, particularly recognizing Albanian members of the NYPD. “They serve, they protect, they ensure that our city is a safe place to raise healthy children and families,”he stated.

Adams concluded with a Thanksgiving-themed call to action: “It’s Thanksgiving, not thanks receiving. Let’s go out and give to people in need, because that’s the Albanian way.” He shared a personal anecdote about his son’s admiration for Albania after a recent visit, adding, “Whenever he sees me, he reminds me, just put up the flag, the Albanian flag.”

The ceremony marked a heartfelt acknowledgment of the vibrant Albanian community and its enduring contributions to New York City.