TIRANA, November 27/ATA/ In the hall of the Center for Openness and Dialogue, there was played the documentary “Under protection of the Albanians” by Rudina Xhunga and “Dritare TV”, which shows the events of 81 years ago when 13 people of the American army relied on the oath of trust and hospitality of the Albanians.

Attending the event was Prime Minister Edi Rama, his wife Linda Rama, Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, representatives of the US Embassy, ​​historians and journalists.

The documentary reveals an unknown event to many: On November 8, 1943, an American plane with 30 doctors and nurses crashed into the area of Lake Belsh. During a 62-day journey through occupied Albania, they crossed mountains, villages and fought for survival in the harsh winter of 1943. Finally, they managed to escape and left by ship from Gjon Gjileka Bay towards Italy.

They never got to know that their Albanian rescuers were killed, but those who were under protection of the Albanians managed to return home alive. After that, for many years, this story remained in the dark, until it was declassified and the first book was published. “Dritare TV” is bringing this extraordinary story to light 80 years later, showing the journey of those who were saved, thanks to the given word of the Albanians.

“The 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Albania with the told and untold stories of the battles and sacrifices of the Albanians. We remember this jubilee anniversary also with the sacrifices of the people who risked their lives for a free Albania”, wrote Minister Vengu in a post in the social media.

“A memorial documentary, the premiere of which was played in the COD hall, while in the future we will be connected with Rudina with other works to reflect our past which should guide us towards the future,” Vengu underlined.