In a symbolic event marking the 80th birthday of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the “Friends of America” Association chose the Prishtina Fire Brigade as the venue to convey the birthday wishes and gratitude of the people of Kosovo.
During the event, representatives of the fire brigade and the association highlighted their longstanding cooperation and the firefighters’ contribution to the community, while also emphasizing Kosovo’s special connection with former President Clinton and his support for the country.
Malë Gashi, Commander of the Prishtina Fire Brigade, thanked the “Friends of America” Association for choosing the institution as the venue for celebrating President Bill Clinton’s birthday.
“We are very proud that the ‘Friends of America’ Association chose our institution on the occasion of former President Bill Clinton’s birthday. Given our cooperation over the years, we are honored that you chose us and that we can celebrate President Bill Clinton’s birthday together,” Gashi said.
Agim Rexhepi, representing the “Friends of America” Association, said the event was organized to send birthday wishes to President Clinton on behalf of the people of Kosovo.
“Commander, thank you! Firefighters, thank you! May God grant that you never have any problems or emergencies to deal with, and that you never have to put out a fire or respond to an incident. But I know you have many responsibilities, both in summer and winter. While we sleep, you are working. We sleep more peacefully knowing that you are there,” Rexhepi said.
He praised the reputation and role of firefighters, particularly in the United States, and explained why the Pristina Fire Brigade was chosen for Clinton’s 80th birthday.
“It was not by chance that we chose the Prishtina Fire Brigade for this 80th anniversary. Over the years, the brigade, its former and current commanders, and all of you firefighters have never hesitated to respond whenever there was a need—whether for an activity, an intervention or even cleaning riverbeds, although that may not have formally been your responsibility. You have done an extraordinary job and brought honor to your institution, your municipality, your state and your nation,” Rexhepi said.
Kosovo also sent former President Clinton a letter expressing gratitude and birthday wishes.
Rexhepi said the association had prepared a special package of commemorative materials, including a badge, a postcard, a flyer and other items dedicated to Clinton’s 80th birthday.
But he emphasized that the most important part of the tribute was its message.
“The greeting was sent on behalf of the people and the state of Kosovo, but we wrote: ‘Albanians Do Not Forget.’ I believe this is the strongest, best, most honorable and most sincere message we could have conveyed to President Clinton,” Rexhepi said.
The message reflects the enduring gratitude in Kosovo for Clinton’s role during the 1999 Kosovo War and his support for NATO’s intervention to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Kosovo.
