Martin Vulaj

President of AARC/

Honorable Dignitaries, Members of the Board, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman, I remember standing on this stage 23 years ago, as the Executive Director of NAAC, when we honored President Bill Clinton for his leadership in stopping the Serbian genocide in Kosova. It feels like both yesterday — and a lifetime ago.

Back then, the stakes were urgent. The community was united. Our voices — though still young — carried weight in the halls of power. And we stood side by side, not just as individuals, but as one people, determined to fight for justice, recognition, and peace.

The Albanian-American community has a rich history of making a meaningful impact. Vatra was so instrumental in the creation of the Albanian state over a hundred years ago. In the early 90s, The Albanian American Civic League brought the case of Kosova to the halls of Congress. Then, many of the same people who helped create the Civic League, Jim Xhema, Harry Bajraktari, Rexh Xhakli, Ekrem Bardha, Dino Erbeli, Dino Asanaj and others, decided that they wanted to professionalize our advocacy and create a fully staffed full time office in Washington DC and the National Albanian American Council was born. The call has been made over and over again and our people have always risen when history demanded it. We have answered the call to fight injustice with the unwavering principles of freedom, liberty, and human dignity.

And we saw extraordinary progress. Kosova is free and independent. Albania is in NATO and firmly on her European path. Albanians in North Macedonia, Montenegro, and beyond have made important gains and, by doing so, have helped those countries democratize and move west. And here in America, our diaspora has thrived — in business, politics, academia, and civic life.

We were there when NATO bombs fell on Belgrade. We were there when the Ohrid peace agreement was signed to end the aparteid in Macedonia (in fact we dispatched Dr. Paul Williams who drafted the first version of the Agreement. Elmi Berisha, who is now the President of Vatra also accompanied Paul and myself to deliver the first draft Constitution of Kosova to President Rugova). We were there….and then we weren’t.

Because with progress came something dangerous: complacency. And comfort led to quiet. We told ourselves the work was done. We allowed our institutions to fade. NAAC, once a force in Washington, closed its doors, our voice went quiet and the seat at the table — our seat — was left empty.

And in that vacuum, others rushed in. With different goals. Different agendas. In some cases, with the intent to erase or distort our truth. And today, we see the result: Serbia spending Millions in Washington trying to rewrite history portraying Kosova as unstable and dangerous, when, as the Gallup poll showed just yesterday that it’s the safest country in Europe The Kosovo Liberation Army — once celebrated by American leaders as freedom fighters — now being dragged into courtrooms as criminals. History is being rewritten. Our story is being manipulated because we were no longer in the room to defend it.

This is what happens when we stop showing up. This is what happens when silence replaces advocacy.

But tonight is not about what we’ve lost. Tonight is about what we can rebuild — together. Because in recent years, we have seen a reawakening. Veterans of our struggle are stepping back in: Harry Bajraktari, Rich Lukaj, Nik Mehmeti, Bruno Ceka in Dallas, Ismet Smaili, and of course Sal Rusi — who does so much and asks for nothing in return. Sal, where are you? From the bottom of my heart: we need a lot of money. Like a lot! (humor)

These leaders have shown that our community still has power, still has access, still has influence. But let’s be clear: a fundraiser here, a gala there, a tweet of support — that is not advocacy. Advocacy is showing up. Advocacy is staying in the room when decisions are made. Advocacy is shaping policy — not reacting to it.

That is why the Albanian American Relations Council — AARC — was formed. Not to replace the past, but to build on it. Not to compete, but to collaborate with all who share this mission. AARC was born out of necessity: to fill the vacuum with a permanent, professional, strategic voice for Albanian-Americans in Washington.

But let me pause here and underline something critical: Our diaspora is different from the rest — because America is different from the rest.

When America was founded, the world was ruled by kings, warlords, and despots — where a man’s fate and possessions could be taken in an instant. But our Founding Fathers created something radical: a system rooted in liberty, human dignity, and the rule of law. They didn’t just create a nation — they built a civilization.

Unlike Europe’s parliamentary systems, where power often concentrates in the hands of party leaders, America put power in the hands of the citizen. Here, the citizen can walk into a Congressman’s office. Here, the citizen can demand accountability. Here, the citizen is not just a voter — but an advocate.

And that is why our diaspora is powerful. Because America makes us powerful. It turns us from immigrants into advocates. It transforms us from bystanders into stakeholders.

Here is the most recent example:

Three ordinary Albanian-Americans in Texas — Gino Mulliqi, Doc Vranici and Gezim Rushiti — decided to act. They reached out to Congressman Keith Self. They told him the truth about the Balkans. They brought him to New York, where we showed him why America’s interests and Albanian interests are aligned: to stop Russia, China, and Iran from spreading their influence in the region. And only months later, because three citizens acted, because Congressman Self listened, Chairman Brian Mast introduced language in Congress that:

· Reaffirms Kosova’s independence,

· Calls for her membership in NATO, and

· Exposes Serbia’s ties to Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran.

THAT is advocacy. That is the power of the active citizen. That is the power of the Albanian-American community when we show up and speak out.

And let’s be clear: the world has grown dangerous. Powder kegs are everywhere. Old lines are being redrawn, and new ones are being carved across the globe.

But finally — finally — Albanians stand clearly in the West. Our destiny is not in doubt. Our place is with the free world. And we must stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States, with our interests fully aligned.

And here is the most important lesson: this was not luck. This was not a miracle. This is a technology. The technology of advocacy and influence and our community is well versed in it.

This is our moment. This is our chance. We don’t need permission. We don’t need to wait. The tools are in our hands. The responsibility is on our shoulders. And the future is ours to shape.

So tonight, I ask you — support the work of AARC. With your time, with your talent, with your resources, and with your networks. Help us rebuild what we once had — and create something even stronger for the generations to come.

Let us ensure that Kosova’s freedom is never questioned. That Albania’s future is never sidelined. And that the voice of our people is never again absent from the rooms where decisions are made.

But before I close, I need to say this: advocacy takes sacrifice. It takes time, energy, resources — and a willingness to keep fighting even when it’s hard.

And while we sacrifice, those standing behind us often sacrifice even more.

Suzy… sometimes you come to me with challenges you face at work, and you tell me I’m good with words. But the truth is — all the words I have are not enough to thank you. Thank you for the love and support you give me to be able to do this. Thank you for the love and support you give our family.

We are coming up on our 10th anniversary. And once, Suzy asked me if I wanted to renew our vows. I said no! I figured it was a trap — that she’d say no at the altar! (humor)

But in all seriousness — none of this work is possible without her, and without the families who stand behind all of us as we serve. So tonight, as much as we honor our community, I honor her — and all the families who make this possible.

We are one people — from the mountains of Tropoja to the plains of Drenica, from Tirana to the Bronx, from Detroit to Dallas. Our strength is in our unity. Let us reclaim it — together.

Thank you. May God bless the Albanian people. And may God bless the United States of America.