Mr. Speaker, today is Albanian Independence Day.
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After 500 years of Ottoman rule, an independent Albania was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. On this day, the Albanian flag was raised in Vlora, which is why this day is also called Flag Day.
Albanian Independence Day is usually celebrated by wearing red, which is the colour of the Albanian flag and traditional Albanian clothing.
This is followed by gala events and ceremonies, held in Albania and throughout the diaspora, that involve customary Albanian music and dance.
On this day, I would like to salute Albanians across our country, including the Albanian Canadian Community Association of Toronto and the Albanian-Canadian Excellence society, and Albanians everywhere as they celebrate their nationhood.
[Member spoke in Albanian]
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