After the liberation of Tirana on November 17, 1944, the General Command of the National Liberation Army in Tirana officially announced the liberation of Shkodra as well, 81 years ago, on November 29, 1944.

“The National Anti-Fascist Liberation War is one of the most glorious events in our country’s history, not only because the nation was freed from the Nazi-Fascist occupation, but also because this victory placed Albania on the side of the winning forces of the war, alongside the major allies: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union.”

In this way, the epic Anti-Fascist National Liberation War of the Albanian people came to an end. The war’s core achievements included driving out Italian and German forces, Albania’s break from the Nazi-Fascist bloc, and the reaffirmation of its territorial integrity—a territory long regarded by the Great Powers and neighboring states as subject to partition.

Albania’s liberation—unlike that of other Balkan states—was achieved without the aid of the Red Army. The Albanian people’s war was the most wide-ranging in the country’s history, distinguished both by the vast number of participants and supporters and by the extensive territorial involvement across Albania.

From south to north, nearly all regions, cities, and villages of Albania mobilized and contributed to the struggle against the occupying forces. In doing so, Albania became part of the Euro-Atlantic anti-fascist coalition — a partnership it continues today as a member of NATO.

Foreign missions from the Allied countries also played a role during the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War. The first British mission was led by Major Billy McLean. In October 1943, the Special Operations Executive received orders to send a high-level mission to Albania, headed by Brigadier General Edmund Davies, who would coordinate the activities of the British groups operating there. After Davies was taken prisoner, the British mission was supplemented by Norman Wheeler and Alan Palmer. The head of the American Military Mission in Albania was Thomas Stefan, while Major Ilia Ivanov served as the head of the Soviet Military Mission.

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Prime Minister chose a special “greeting card” to celebrate the occasion, featuring a photo of an infant born yesterday on Independence Day, dressed in red and black, against the backdrop of the national flag.

“With Dians, the newborn who came into the world yesterday at the ‘Koço Gliozheni’ maternity hospital on the blessed Day of Independence, I wish you all a Happy 80th Liberation Anniversary today,” said the Prime Minister.

Today, Albanians celebrate November 29th, the 80th anniversary of the country’s liberation from Nazi-fascist occupiers.

The Council of Ministers designated this year as the National Jubilee Year to commemorate the end of the battle of the Albanians for liberation from the Nazi-fascist occupation, as a reminder of every Albanian citizen’s civic duty to defend the homeland when it is in danger.

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From April 7, 1939 until November 29, 1944, Albania had been under fascist Italy’s occupation and after its capitulation, in the autumn of 1943, Albania was invaded by German forces.

After the Liberation of Tirana, on November 17 and the main part of Northern Albania, the city of Shkodra was the last to be liberated.

During World War Two Albanians aligned themselves with the antifascist coalition and fought a liberation war.

The liberation anniversaries are celebrated with a homage ceremony at the “Mother Albania” monument near the Martyrs Gravesite.
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