Hidai Bregu, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Albanian American Community of Illinois (AACI), will be remembered as a devoted leader of our community and a man unwavering in his love for his homeland.
As Professor Skënder Karaçica notes in his article (see comments), Bregu’s legacy was not only moral in spirit, but also enduring in impact.
In his will, Hidai “Eddie” Bregu endowed $5 million to establish the Albanian Studies Program at DePaul University in Chicago — the first program of its kind in the United States. It was an act that firmly placed Albanian language, history and culture within a major American academic institution, ensuring their study for generations to come.
For more than 47 years, unjust anti-national politics kept him separated from his country, his people, and his family. Following the tragic events of May 1944, he was separated from his parents and never saw them again. Yet his heart remained steadfastly Albanian, deeply connected to the community in Chicago, where he lived for 62 years.
In accordance with his final wishes, a portion of his ashes were scattered in Lake Michigan — a tribute to the city that became his second home. On March 21, 2015, the major portion of his ashes was laid to rest alongside the remains of his parents, reuniting them after 71 years of separation. Another portion was placed near the foundations of the home where he was born on September 23, 1922, in the village of Toshkës, Përmet.
It was a life defined by sacrifice and service to his people.
May his memory be eternal.
Albanian American Community of Illinois (AACI)