The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, on Monday awarded over 200 decorations to personalities from various sectors: journalism, sports, health, education, art, culture, activists, public servants who, with their work, left an indelible mark on the freedom and independence of Kosovo and who contributed to state-building.
In her speech, President Vjosa Osmani said that the decorations, in addition to being recognition, are also proof of the sacrifice and courage of the citizens who did not give up on the country's freedom.
"The homeland is not only the place where we are born, but a calling that follows us throughout our lives. The Republic of Kosovo is an unbroken stream of generations of those who gave everything. At the heart of this effort lies our freedom itself, not only as an earned right, but a deep permanent feeling. The month of March, in which the ceremony is being held, is a difficult month in our history, a month of remembrance and reflection that takes us back to terrible events, massacres committed by Serbia. A month that proves the resilience, the resistance to never surrender. The decorations that are being awarded are, in addition to gratitude, also a testament to the sacrifice and courage that never bowed down, surrendered, or gave up on freedom. Our honor will begin with the heroes of the KLA, those who made the highest sacrifice by giving their lives for freedom. Eternal honor belongs to them. Our freedom was not created only on the battlefield, many sons and daughters of this country were also built with knowledge. Some of the decorations are dedicated to the contribution to freedom "and independence will be given to those who find themselves in this country in crucial times," said Osmani.
President Osmani also mentioned the Kosovo national football team, which will play Turkey tomorrow in the playoff final for the 2026 World Cup. She said that regardless of the result of tomorrow's match, the team will be decorated with medals on Tuesday for the immeasurable contribution and hope it is giving to the people.
"We must appreciate that today they are giving hope to the citizens of Kosovo. Regardless of the result of tomorrow's match, the national team has made history, therefore I have the honor to announce that for this immeasurable contribution and for the hope they are giving to this people, the presidential medal will be awarded tomorrow to the national team regardless of tomorrow's match," said Osmani./KSP
