As Kosovo begins to develop its national identity, one of the first and most important things it will need to do is establish a trademark, a flag.
As Kosova begins to develop its national identity, one of the first and most important things it will need to do is establish a trademark, a flag. Former Congressman Joe DioGuardi, president and founder of the Albanian American Civic League, and Shirley Cloyes the Civic League’s Balkan Affairs Advisor and figures in the struggle for Kosova’s independence, have come up with the solution to this problem.
“I believe that this flag will capture the heart and spirit of the Albanian people all over the world, especially the Albanian citizens of the new state of Kosova. It contains the national Albanian symbol (the double-headed eagle) and the national colors (black and red).
It also reflects Kosova’s historic connection to the Albanians of Montenegro, Macedonia, the Presheva Valley, Chameria (the Chams and Arvanites), and Italy (the Arberesh), who are represented by the five white stripes.
The white stripes on red also serve to remind us of the important role that the United States has played by recognizing the State of Albania after World War led by president Woodrow Willson, leading NATO against Slobodan Milosevic in 1999, and working today to gain international recognition for Kosova’s independence.”Joseph J. DioGuardi Prishtina, July 2006.
