The commemoration of the KLA’s Epic continued on Thursday, as Kosovo’s state leaders visited the “Adem Jashari” Memorial Complex in Prekaz. They honored the bravery and sacrifice of the Jashari family, which has become a symbol of Kosovo’s freedom.
President Vjosa Osmani emphasized the significance of remembering the sacrifices made for Kosovo’s freedom:
“From this place, not only those of us who lived through the war, but also the new generations and our children, find inspiration for the future and the defense of our hard-earned freedom. But, above all, we are reminded of the high price that was paid for our liberty. We must never forget and never deviate from the path laid by the sacrifice of our heroes, martyrs, and fallen soldiers.”
Speaker of Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, underlined the unwavering dedication of the Jashari family:
“The Jashari family carried a truth deep in their hearts and souls—one that saved the people of Kosovo. That truth is that freedom cannot be won without taking up arms and making sacrifices. This is why, as a nation, we owe them the most for the liberation of Kosovo.”
Prime Minister Albin Kurti reflected on the impact of the Jashari family’s sacrifice:
“Three generations of the Jashari family—59 individuals, nearly half of them women and children—were martyred on March 5, 6, and 7 of 1998 for the freedom, independence, and unification of Kosovo. The kLA Epic gave unstoppable momentum to the armed uprising and the liberation war. It sparked nationwide demonstrations and strengthened solidarity among Albanians across the Balkans and the diaspora. At the same time, it also raised international awareness and mobilized global diplomacy.”
In addition to state leaders, KLA war veterans’ organizations also paid tribute in Prekaz. However, their representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the commemoration.
Xhavit Jashari, head of the Association of Families of Martyrs, criticized the current leadership for failing to properly honor the KLA Epic:
“The reason we are not marking this anniversary together with state institutions is that we do not want to dishonor our fallen soldiers. But within this government, there are anti-KLA figures who have tarnished the war’s legacy. The institutions, particularly the president, the speaker of parliament, and the prime minister, must respect the path that led to our freedom.”
The commemoration in Prekaz was attended not only by Kosovo’s state leaders and war veterans but also by representatives from Shkodra and many citizens from across Albanian-speaking territories.
