Mayor Eric Adams: No, you don’t stand for me, I stand for you. Really, I don’t think you fully appreciate the role that Mark has played for the Albanian community.
I remember many years ago when he was running for assemblyman, he stopped in the office and he said, the time has arrived for the Albanian community not to live in the shadows of the American dream and experience, but to come and enjoy the warm warmth of the sunshine of the freedom that we offer.
And he has been a pioneer, to ensure on every level, that the Albanian community is respected, supported, and uplifted. He has followed the rich tradition of so many, like Commissioner Castro, who came here to America as a dreamer and now he’s in charge of our Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs where others can obtain the dream that they’re looking for.
The beauty of this country, that it states that no matter who you are, never abandon your culture. Always remember as Americans that you are also Albanians. The country that you have adopted does not displace the country of birth and the country of heritage. It goes together, and that’s why when we raise the flag here, it is our symbol of saying we will raise the spirit and energy of the Albanian community, specifically today, but in general, all of the communities that make up this great country, we call America. We’re proud to raise your flag side by side.
It took 110 mayors before your flag was allowed to be raised here. It took those numbers of mayors because I understood what makes us great is our diversity. That’s our secret weapon. That’s the weapon that makes us who and what we are.
And you believe in what I believe. You believe in family. You believe in business. You believe in faith, and you believe in public safety. There’s no greater symbol on how much you respect this city and country than the men and women who are to the left of me, those men and women of Albanian descent that are members of the New York City Police Department. They serve, they protect, they ensure that our city is a safe place to raise healthy children and families.
So 112 years, although it’s your independence, we are dependent on each other. We need each other, and as we move into the season of Thanksgiving, remember, it’s Thanksgiving, not thanks receiving, so let’s go out and give. Let’s go out and give to people and help people that are in need, because that’s the Albanian way.
My son was in Albania last year, where he participated and won in a musical contest. He called me up and said, Dad, I don’t know if I’m coming back home. I love Albania and what it represents, and whenever he sees me, he reminds me, just put up the flag, the Albanian flag. Thank you, Albanians. Thank you.
