The event began with the playing of the U.S. anthem, after which the American flag was raised by the imam of the “Prof. Dr. Bedri Kamberi” Mosque, Labinot Maliqi. According to him, placing this flag in the mosque’s courtyard has now become a tradition and represents the gratitude of the people of Kosovo toward the United States of America.

Maliqi: Raising the American flag in the mosque courtyard is a sincere expression of gratitude

“Today is a special day. For the fourth year in a row, in the courtyard of this mosque, we are raising the flag of the United States of America on a pole to mark its Independence Day. This is not merely a ceremonial act, it is a protocol gesture, it is a sincere expression of gratitude. Today America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. A historic jubilee that reminds us of the birth of a state built on a great principle: that man has dignity, that freedom is sacred, and that fundamental rights do not stem from the power of men, but from the Great Creator,” Maliqi said.

Maliqi pointed out that freedom of religion and conscience is among the fundamental pillars on which the United States was built, adding that the people of Kosovo know better than anyone the weight of freedom and the importance of a sincere ally.

Maliqi: One of the most precious values on which America was built is freedom of religion

“One of the most precious values on which America was built is freedom of religion and conscience. Its founders understood that faith cannot be imposed by force and that a person must be free to seek the truth through conviction, reason and conscience. As a people who have experienced war, injustice and the absence of freedom, we know better than anyone how precious freedom is and how much a true friend is worth in the most difficult days,” he said.

At the close of the ceremony, he stressed that raising the American flag on the mosque’s pole constitutes clear evidence of Kosovo’s gratitude toward the U.S., underlining that gratitude is also a virtue that stems from religious teachings.

Maliqi: Our religion teaches us that gratitude is a very great virtue

“Our religion teaches us that gratitude is a very great virtue. The Prophet Muhammad, may God’s praises and blessings be upon him, left us an eternal lesson, which says: ‘Whoever does not thank people has not thanked God.’ Today, through this modest ceremony, but one of great meaning, we are putting precisely this lesson into practice. We thank a great friend, while not forgetting that the source of every good thing is God Almighty and that the highest thanks belong to Him. Therefore today, from the courtyard of this mosque in Pristina, we say with respect, with heart and with gratitude: Thank you, America! Thank you for the steadfast friendship! Thank you for the unwavering support! Thank you for the historic contribution to the freedom, peace and state-building of the Republic of Kosovo!” Maliqi declared.

Today, the United States of America is celebrating Independence Day, while July 4 marks the 250th anniversary of the declaration of U.S. independence.

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