Kosovo Independence Day in NYC

Thanks to Aunt Alaina the City of New York recognized the 3rd anniversary of Kosovo's independence in a ceremony in Times Square.  Viona got to meet many significant members of the Albanian Kosovar-American community, including the Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States, the Ambassador of Kosovo to the United Nations and the publisher of the most noted Albanian language publication in the United States, The Illyrian.

On the way up Viona got her first trip through the Lincoln Tunnel and then into Mid-Town Manhattan

We arrived early so we engaged the heart of capitalism in its left ventricle, McDonalds and then off to the square.

Times Square did not disappoint it is spectacular, although far more diamond shaped in person than it seems on television.

And then the ceremony where several dignitaries honored both the United States (in its role as Kosovo's sponsor in movement away from Serbia) including the host of the event, Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer.  Mr. Stringer even mentioned Viona in his speech.  Quite an honor for a seventeen year old foreign exchange student living in Mount Holly NJ

And then the show stopper .... a billboard proclaiming the liberty of Kosovo, with our favorite Kosovar Viona right in the middle of the action.