President Moisiu bestowed upon the fallen “The Medal of Gratitude” under the motivation “As a sign of high praise for the sublime act of falling in the line of duty at the service of the military collaboration between Albania and the United States of America.”

President Moisiu stated that the American military men gave their life for their country by contributing to the safeguarding of peace and stability in the world.

“On this occasion I would like to express my condolences to the families of those military men that fell in the line of duty. We all were saddened. Albanian people cried for those nine young men and will safeguard the memory of this sacrifice that they made on the Albanian soil. They came here to collaborate with the Albanian military, to increase the capability of the Albanian Armed Forces, to further improve the inter-cooperation, and to enhance their military capabilities.” President Moisiu stated .

The Head of State stressed that he would like to assure the American people and the American Armed Forces that the Albanians will be alongside them where the need might arise to defend the civilization, the future, humanism and the joint objectives.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Defense, Pandeli Majko, the United States Ambassador to Albania, Marcie Ries, the Commander of the Special Operations for Europe and the representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces.

After calling the roll of the nine fallen warrior’s names, the participants observed a minute of silence in their honor. Then they were honored by twenty one artillery shots fired and military marches. Part of the ceremony was also the religious prayers for the fallen military men and blessing.