On November 25, 2024, Hylan Boulevard was adorned with 500 Albanian and American flags, marking an early celebration of Albania’s Independence Day on November 28. The vibrant display brought together Albanian Americans to honor their heritage and celebrate the values of freedom and unity.

This initiative, led by the Belul Qoku family, has become an annual tradition, with the family generously donating and placing the flags along the iconic Staten Island boulevard. Hylan Boulevard, a central artery connecting neighborhoods in Staten Island, is now a powerful symbol of the deep bond between Albania and the United States.

The event is part of a series of celebrations organized by the Albanian-American community leading up to November 28, a day commemorating Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912. Other planned events include cultural gatherings, flag-raising ceremonies, and community dinners to honor the occasion.