Today Albania marks 50 years of freedom, facing the future and proud of its past. In making this jubilee possible, their precious contribution was given not only by martyrs and veterans of the National Liberation War, arms in hand, but undoubtedly also by thousands upon thousands of other patriots who, from the rear, gave our liberation war everything. We are now fully aware that not everything was easy and without mistakes, that not everything went in the most perfect way. But the greatest thing about 29 November 1944 is that it made possible the victory of the ideal of freedom over evil, the efforts of a small but brave and noble people to be masters of their own destiny. Together with our allies and never forgetting anything from what we endured in the long years of war and occupation, today we honor every martyr and veteran, every family that gave the country a son or a daughter, every Albanian mother who made her husband or son fight for freedom. On this notable day we also remember with respect the other martyrs of the nation, fallen in prisons, internment camps, and persecution. Fifty years after liberation, democratic Albania has entered a new historical stage. Despite political debates and the difficulties of the transition, the greatness of the National Liberation War and of 29 November can never be dimmed. This date remains the cornerstone of the free Albanian state.

Alert on the occasion of 29 November Albanians have always been proud of their resistance to occupiers and traitors. The National Liberation War marks the peak of this resistance and 29 November remains the symbol of our people’s victory over the fascist and Nazi occupier. It is an indelible page in the history of Albania, not only for the heroism of the partisans, but also for the broad popular support. On this jubilee, the feeling of respect for the martyrs and veterans is joined by the need to defend historical truth. The sacrifices of the Albanian people cannot be relativized or denied. They are the foundation of the freedom won on 29 November 1944.

- According to the conversation with comrade Arif Hasko, Vice President of the National Committee of Veterans of the National Liberation War of the Albanian People - According to him, 29 November marks a new era for the country and remains the highest point of our people’s struggle against the occupiers. He emphasizes that without this just war there could have been neither freedom nor national dignity. That is why the veterans of the National Liberation War experience this day as the culmination of a great sacrifice and as a moral legacy for the generations. Arif Hasko stresses that history must not be desecrated by narrow political interests and that the young generation must come to know the role of the Albanian people in the National Liberation War with honesty. This day, he says, is a celebration of freedom and national dignity.

LUANË PEZITHE (Continues on page 2) On 28 November 1994, commemorative events were held in Kakavijë, Gjirokastër, and Sarandë, highlighting the participation of the Greek minority in the National Anti-Fascist Liberation War. At the gatherings it was emphasized that many sons and daughters of this minority gave their lives for the liberation of the country and that this participation forms an inseparable part of our shared history. The author presents testimonies and documents that shed light on the partisan battalions with minority participation, on the network of support for the fighters, and on the brotherly relations created during the war years. Their contribution is valued as testimony to the anti-fascist unity in Albania.

Everlasting tribute and gratitude to the martyrs of the homeland those who have their blood in the foundations of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Albania

Event in socialist Prishtina VICTORS - The people and the partisan on the free 29 November