Ardi Ahmeti – Zabide Aliko
Shoqata Kulturore Atdhetare Lazerati – Michigan, USA/
It is an honor and privilege to welcome you here today as we gather to celebrate a remarkable man- our grandfather, Elias Maliq Lazarati. Today is a special and proud occasion, a day when America pays tribute to its veterans, to those brave souls who placed duty, country and freedom above all else. Among those heroes stands Elias, whose legacy we are here to remember and celebrate. Elias was born on December 12, 1897 in an ordinary Lazarati family, but with great ideals and patriotic values. These values, were deeply rooted in the mind and heart of Elias since childhood.
In 1913 he immigrated to the USA. Now he had left not only Lazarati but also his homeland behind. This weighted heavy on his shoulders. To preserve his heritage and keep his origin alive he chose to turn his beloved Lazarati into his last name, but he also placed the name of his grandfather, Maliq, within his own name. From now on he would be called Elias Maliq Lazarati.
Immigrating to America gave Elias the opportunity to follow a path he had always aspired, the path of education. In addition to work, he began his studies at the American Military Academy. His progress was visible and immediate. In 1916 he graduated from the Military Academy, and was mobilized in the American army as an officer. He fought bravely in the trenches of World War I, enduring the horrors of the battles such as:
Verdun (Verdan) – in 1913 in the mountains of northern France
Marne (Marn) and Aisne (Aisn) – in 1914 in Paris, France.
Meuse Argonne (Muse Argone) – 1918 This one is known as a fierce battle and with the greatest losses in the ranks of the American army.
Chateau Thjery – This was the battle in which on July 4, 1918 he was wounded by a shrapnel and exposed to mustard gas.
Then, Elias was discharged from the American army with military honors and a victory medal. He was also presented with the right to wear a wounded chevron. A ribbon with three clasps which means that he took part in three important victory battles and that he was wounded in war.
But his unwavering dedications goes beyond the battlefield. In the first year of his return to the U.S from war Elias began to write and publish a series of articles in newspapers of the time in which he expressed his unwavering stance on our national issues. These writings made his name even more well-known and he was often quoted in the Albanian press, with special respect.
The collaboration with the most famous Albanian personalities such as Fan Noli, Sotir Peci, Mihal Grameno, etc. would rank him among the most honored Albanian-American figures of that period. All these great historic names were members of the patriotic society “Vatra”. This served as the direct affiliation that Elias had with “Vatra”. At first as a member of it and very soon he became the Chairman of Branch No. 29, in New York. During this time, he would give his help and contribution to his fellow Albanians who came to America as immigrants by ensuring they had the guidance and support needed to establish a better life in America. Elias worked tirelessly for our national cause until the end. When his health deteriorated, he decided to return to his homeland and be with his daughter, Liri! He passed away in 1928 in Lazarat, where his body rests today.
When you hear about his activities, you get the impression that he was someone who lived a long life, but Elias was only 31 years old when he passed away. This fact speaks volumes about him and his clever vision.
More than an officer, he was a patriot who carried the Albanian spirit across borders.
More than an immigrant, he was a bridge for those seeking a better life in America.
More than a historical figure, he is a symbol of resilience for all of us.
Today, in this memorial ceremony, we honor Elias as the American military hands over the American flag to his family in recognition of his courage and sacrifice.
We, Elias’s descendants, sons and daughters of Liri, stand here with pride and deep gratitude.
Let this day be a reminder of our roots, of those who came before us, who built bridges, fought battles, and paved the way for our future. Let us continue to carry Elias’ name with honor, strength, and deep Albanian pride!
Thank you all for your presence!
May God Bless the memory of Elias Maliq Lazarati!
May God Bless the United States of America!