Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, happy 17th anniversary of Independence to everyone!
Honorable Prime Minister,
Honorable former Presidents,
Honorable government cabinet,
Honorable officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Security Force,
Honorable members of the Kosovo Police,
Honorable families of the KLA martyrs,
Honorable ambassadors from friendly countries,
Dear guests,
On this 17th anniversary of our state, we are here because we stood and resisted.
We are here today because we fought, because we sacrificed, because we never bowed to violence, injustice and atrocities.
We are here today because we managed to rise again, build and strengthen our state!
Thanks to the army and police who are parading in front of the citizens of Kosovo today, we managed to protect every inch of our state.
On this great day in our history, on this 17th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic, we proudly stand in front our beloved flag, under the free sky of our homeland, to honor the glorious journey of our nation towards freedom, sovereignty and full statehood.
At the foundations of our Republic lies a long journey.
A journey that began with the vision of the architect of our Independence, the Founding Father of the Republic, the historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.
With wisdom and perseverance, he led the peaceful resistance of our people, making our cause known to the world and building powerful alliances, which still stand by us today.
Today, with the greatest reverence, we remember and bow before the sublime sacrifice of the Kosovo Liberation Army, which under the leadership of the Legendary Commander, Adem Jashari and thousands of freedom fighters sealed our fate with its blood.
We bow with deep respect to the Jashari family and all the martyrs of the nation, all the martyrs of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the martyrs, who made this day possible with their extraordinary sacrifice.
Our history would not be the same without the support of our allies.
Our eternal gratitude goes to the United States of America, to NATO, to European countries and to democracies around the world, as well as to all international friends who stood with us in the most difficult moments and helped us make freedom and independence possible, supporting us when the enemies wanted to wipe us off the face of the earth.
We will never forget their help, because Kosovo has friends and Kosovo’s friends are friends of freedom.
We are the Republic of Kosovo.
We are the voice of resistance and courage.
We are the force that has resisted oppression and injustice and has never been broken.
We are the people that fought for freedom and sacrificed for the future.
We are the spirit that survived and rebuilt from the ashes.
We are the vision that reformed and led change.
We are the state and the Republic that never stops and moves forward with determination and pride.
Before us today will appear the Kosovo Security Force, our army, the dignified heir to the sacrifices of entire generations, the worthy successor of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
With professionalism, dedication and courage, the KSF has shown that it is the pride of the state and always ready to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo.
Prepared in accordance with the latest developments in the global security architecture, our army will always be in defense of peace, stability and security of our citizens without distinction.
Our freedom is sacred and its protection is a permanent duty.
This duty is being carried out with the highest honor by the Kosovo Police, which defends the borders of Kosovo every day with courage and dedication, ready to sacrifice their lives to protect every inch of Kosovo’s land.
Kosovo, however, is not just a piece of land.
Kosovo is a spirit.
Kosovo is a spirit and a permanent mission.
It is not just a state with a history. Kosovo is a symbol of dignity and an unprecedented sacrifice for freedom.
Whoever dares to question this reality, let them listen to the voice of the people of Kosovo today!
Kosovo is and remains our eternal homeland.
Kosovo moves forward with the strength of its people, with the vision of its youth, with the pride of its history.
Kosovo is the homeland where we project our dreams, where we build the perspective of generations to come.
With unwavering faith in our future, with optimism and pride, we will continue to work for an even stronger, even more prosperous and ever eternal Kosovo.
Today, we are all together.
The people of Kosovo celebrate as one and with pride.
Despite the differences, despite the challenges, despite the obstacles that have been placed in our path, we are and will continue to remain united for our homeland – our beloved Republic.
Happy 17th Anniversary of Independence!
Glory to the heroes of the KLA!
May God bless the Kosovo army and police!
May God bless the Republic of Kosovo!
