To celebrate the 110^th year of the Albanian Independence on November 28th, Ravesa Bajo took the initiative to organize the Albanian Flag Raising Ceremony with the Pan-Albanian Federation, Vatra and in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

For the first time in his administration, Mayor Adams joined the Albanian Flag Raising Ceremony to speak to the gathered crowd while raising both the United States and Albanian flags in Lower Manhattan. In his remarks, Mayor Adams praised the Albanian community’s grit, talent for launching successful businesses and love for New York City.

Ravesa is no stranger to NYC government. She started her career at the Mayor’s Office and was appointed first as an advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Operations and later, during Mayor Adams’ administration as an Executive Director of Policy and Special Projects at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Partnering and working closely with my former office to make this ceremony a reality was simply incredible”, she says. “I am so grateful for Mayor Adams, Commissioner Castro and the Immigrant Affairs team for celebrating with Albanians in NYC and beyond and share how proud we are of our roots”.

Ravesa partnered with the Vatra organization, one of the oldest Albanian-American organizations in the diaspora to organize the ceremony. For their commitment to the Albanian national cause, VATRA received a Mayoral Proclamation.  Elmi Berisha, Vatra’s Executive Director, presented the Mayor with gifts as well– a painting of the Albanian hero, Skanderbeg, and a painting of Mother Teresa.

“I am a daughter and granddaughter of men who suffered in political prisons during the communist regime and fought for Albania to be free, so I know that we, Albanians, love freedom. I am the daughter and granddaughter of women who worked tirelessly in forced labor camps under the heel of the communist regime, so I know that we, Albanians, are hardworking. Many of those who came before us never lost hope for a better life and a brighter future, so I know we, Albanians, are dreamers. And despite facing great adversity, many still reached the sky, so I know that we, Albanians, are resilient”, Ravesa shared as part of her opening remarks.

Other notable attendees and speakers included Albanian Ambassador to the U.S, Floreta Faber, Commissioner of International Affairs, Edward Mermelstein, and Chairman of Bowling Green Association, Arthur Piccolo.