Tirana was liberated … Those were the first words which were broadcasted from the only Albanian radio station on November 17th 1944, followed by the National Anthem. All these were quoted by veterans, who fought in this war. Those were the days when 3000 German troops, were instructed to occupy Tirana at all costs, which will ensure the withdrawal of Nazi troops, coming from Greece and Macedonia. It took 19 days of fighting to occupy Tirana, where the assault would be launched from the First Division, which included the I-st, IV-th and XXIII-th brigade. In this fierce battle 127 partisans were martyred and 290 others were deeply wounded.
The same day, 72 years later at National Historical Museum took place a ceremony with many guests, veterans and young historians. In his speech the mayor, glorified November 17th as one of the most important events, not only in Tirana, but for the whole country. “It is a moment to be remembered. These are messages that remain as fresh even after 72 years. The message that comes from that time for our capital, land and history requires sacrifices. Fortunately, history today doesn’t require the sacrifice of giving your lives for our country anymore, but requires building with the same passion and energy as those youngsters did 72 years ago to preserve the identity of our country”, said Mr.Veliaj. He stressed that their work should be an example and inspiration for the current generation.
In his statement, the Director of the National Historical Museum Mr. Labi made a summary of the Antifascist National Liberation War, focusing the battle for liberating Tirana. He said: “The offensive for the liberation of Tirana was developed as a combination of hostilities, mostly frontal in the city and partisan outside of it. The liberation of Tirana echoed the liberation of the whole country. Tirana was one of the first capitals in the world, which was liberated by its own military forces. On November 28th 1944 the Democratic Government of Albania and the leadership of the Antifascist National Liberation council entered the liberated capital. ”
Meanwhile, historians Paskal Milo and Pellumb Xhufi brought facts before the participants about the fightings that took place in the capital until the day of liberation. “What happened in Albania after 1944 did not compromise the Antifascist National Liberation war “, said among others Prof. Paskal Milo. The Veterans Committee welcomed Arqile Veshi, which made a list of all hostilities for obtaining Tirana, which began on November 11th at 16.00 and ended on November 17 1944 in the morning.
In his speech, the director of the State Archives Mr. Ardit Bido, referred to the photos of the first days of liberation, most of them published for the first time.
This event included also was patriotic songs performed by “Jordan Misja” choir. Mirush Kabashi, a famous Albanian actor, recited several patriotic poems. In the end, the participants attended the exhibition organized by Municipality of Tirana, in collaboration with Central State Archive, with photos published for the first time.
