Rafaela Prifti/
From little towns to big cities all across the nation, today was marked by sombrance and appreciation for the fallen service members. At the Boston Common, national park and landmark, members of the Albanian community observed the day by visiting the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (1877). The Civil War memorial that portrays many Bostonians prominent in the period serves as a link with the origin of Memorial Day, which began as Decoration Day for the fallen of the era. A touching display of over 37,000 flags was planted in memory of every fallen Massachusetts service member. Families with children, elderly and members in uniform stopped to take photos at different spots of the Flag Garden. The display encouraged visitors to create their own flag garden at home and post a photo of it on social media with the tag # HeroesFlagGarden so families of the fallen can see a personalized tribute.
Father Andrea Rubis of the Orthodox Albanian Diocese of America says that while taking citizenship in the United States, Albanian-Americans have been respectful of the laws and willing to serve in the defence of this republic. “In the Albanian Orthodox community where I was raised, the names of five young men who did not return home were placed on the wall of the entryway. One of them was even the only son of the priest and his wife.”
Over the years the holiday has extended to honor all who have answered the call of duty and served their country. Father Andrea served as a US Naval Cryptologic Officer from 1987-1990 on active duty and from 1990-1998 in the reserves. His father, John Rubis, is a veteran of the Korean War.
“The two Albanian Orthodox communities in Philadelphia gather at the graves each Memorial Day to remember all of those who lived, served, fell asleep in the Lord – whether or not they served in the armed forces,” says Father Andrea.
He highlights the act of service itself as a selfless duty that is at the center of Church’s mission reminding us that “by serving a cause bigger than our own personal interests, we set aside our ego and have a chance to attain humility, as hard as that may be in this so very self-centered society. If we can attain even a bit of this self-emptying virtue, we imitate our Lord and Saviour and bring within reach all of the other virtues.”
I përjetshëm kujtimi i tyre! Memory Eternal!
Photo credit Valbona Lavdari, Flag Garden Memorial Day at Boston Common, Massachusetts
Photo credit Ardian Murraj Archive
Veterans Vasil Kamenica (William N. Jones) right and George Laska, at St. Mary’s Assumption, Albanian Orthodox Church, Worcester, Massachusetts
Albanian American Association Honor Roll of World War II on display at St. Mary’s Assumption, Albanian Orthodox Church, Worcester, Massachusetts